The Tasmanian Devils have come under fire for a member sticker sent out to fans.
The Devils are set for their first AFL season in 2028 — and have already built up a sizeable supportership, famously seeing 200,000 sign-ups when they first launched their $10 foundation membership two years ago.
Watch the controversy surrounding the sticker via the video player below
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However, a somewhat careless mistake has now threatened to anger a certain section of their fans.
Newcastle-based radio host Rohan Edwards, a Devils member, made everyone aware of the misstep when he showed off the sticker he had been sent by the club.
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Alongside the team logo, it said: “This Mainlander supports Tasmania Devils.”
Due to the stickers being sent out by address, some Tassie-born fans who moved interstate have still received them.
One of those people was Edwards — born and raised in Tasmania — who hit back at the slogan live on air.
Speaking on The Hit Network, he said: “I was excited to support an AFL team that we always wanted.
“They’re sponsoring the Hawthorn Hawks and then all of a sudden North Melbourne (play) in Hobart, so they (Tasmania) don’t have to pay for an AFL team.
“Finally the Tasmanians get what we deserve — a team.
“You know what I got in my member pack the other day for $25? I got one sticker. This is a sticker I will not be putting on the back of my car.”
Referencing the slogan, he jokingly went on to add: “Um, where I’m from, that’s a slur.”
When it was pointed out that he does live on the mainland, he said: “I’m a Tasmanian who lives on the mainland.
“So this club, who the whole thing is about ‘Let’s be local’ is calling the people who care and support the most ‘mainlanders’.”
Edwards then finished his tirade by addressing Devils CEO Brendon Gale, saying: “Brendon Gale, if you’re listening, this is bulls***.”
The Devils responded to Edwards, posting: “Certainly sounds like a mainlander, we’ll send you a new sticker.”
Originally published as ‘That’s a slur’: AFL club blasted for delivering controversial member sticker