Tasmanian Devils: Footy fans are horrified by the AFL’s newest mascot – here’s the meaning of its bizarre name

Future AFL side Tasmania FC has left footy fans horrified after the club unveiled its striking new mascot with the bizarre name Rum’un.

Exactly a year ago the AFL announced that its newest expansion side would be called the Tasmania Devils, with the team to join the league in 2028.

The league also unveiled the side’s logo and kit, with the devils set to wear a green jumper with a golden image of the Apple Isle across its front.

A year after that announcement, the club has now unveiled Rum’un, who takes the form of a giant – and terrifying – Tasmanian devil.

The costume, which weighs 12kg, has an interesting story, having been made from recycled materials.

Developed and constructed in partnership with the Terrapin Puppet Theatre in Hobart, the mascot’s fur was made from old school uniforms while its eyes are made from Christmas baubles.

Rum’un’s teeth are designed form recycled wood and the mascot’s whiskers come from industrial brooms.

The puzzling name is Tasmanian slang for an ‘odd or eccentric person’, according to the Macquarie Dictionary.

The AFL reports that the mascot will be paraded around the island in the coming weeks to meet and greet communities across Tasmania.

‘Our newest recruit, Rum’un, will help us on our journey and be a great beacon of our club across the state,’ Devils CEO Brendon Gale said.

‘The creation of Rum’un reflects our club – uniquely Tasmanian, handcrafted and created with grit and determination representing our whole island. 

‘Rum’un is also a little bit cheeky. These characteristics are all true to the Tasmania Football Club, a club that represents our whole state and who does things our way.

Several unique features have been incorporated into Rum’un’s design, with his bloody knees said to represent players from Queenstown who play on their iconic gravel oval.

Speaking on the mascot’s design, chief designer Bryony Anderson said to News Corp: ‘I really hope that people just feel that it’s their devil.

‘I went out and spoke to teams on training grounds, I had a sketch and said: “What do you reckon?”

‘They said it had to be kick-a**e, have bloody knees to represent the players from Queenstown on the gravel, it had to have tatts.

‘Some wanted full-arm tatts but some of the girls at Clarence modified that to the Tassie tatt, and not be too scary because some of the Auskick kids might get frightened, so make it cheeky instead.’

Fans on social media have been left divided over the team’s new symbol.

‘They had a round table and all thought yep this is it we’ve nailed it,’ one wrote on X.

‘I want to cry,’ wrote another. 

One said: ‘This can’t be real. It’s hideous. Well done Tasmania Footy Club.’

‘Kids having nightmares tonight,’ another said.

Some were left scratching their heads, writing: ‘April Fool’s Day is still a fortnight away, guys…’

‘Thanks for that i won’t be sleeping tonight,’ another said.

Conversely, others liked the design of the new mascot, with one writing: ‘Finally the scared weird little guy we deserve,’ another wrote.

‘Love this Something with character,’ another added.

‘Still better than anything Gold Coast has ever done,’ another said.

‘You guys are all so mean. I LOVE him.’

Cricket journalist Bharat Sundaresan wrote: ‘Wow. How could you not get behind Tasmania FC after you’ve seen Rum’un. Winner mascot.’

Tasmania has now amassed 207,000 founding members since the footy club was launched last year.