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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n The look of the AFL ladder will change when the Tasmanian Devils<\/a> join the AFL ranks in 2028 but one Launceston business is hoping to transform the appearance of grandstands at the MCG, SCG and beyond.<\/p>\n On the outskirts of Tasmania\u2019s second city, Waverley Mills is the last wool mill in the country that spins, weaves, cuts and dyes on site. They are committed to using Tasmanian wool from farms that adhere to the Responsible Wool Standard and pursue regenerative farming practices.<\/p>\n In May, the 152-year-old mill teamed up with the Devils to produce a limited edition, 100 per cent wool scarf as an alternative to official merchandise manufactured offshore from environmentally unfriendly materials.<\/p>\n \u201cThe big difference that we can offer is that we keep the whole supply chain here in Australia,\u201d says Fran Maiale, Waverley Mills chief executive. \u201cIt creates a value like no other.\u201d<\/p>\n Editor’s pick For the mill, potential contracts with the AFL could help it return to the glory days when it provided blankets for Qantas first class passengers and produced items for Printemps department store in Paris. It would also restore confidence in a local economy already anticipating the impact of the closure of the historic 145-year-old James Boag Brewery<\/a> in November.<\/p>\n \u201cWe used to employ 300 people [it currently employs nearly 40 people] and we\u2019d love to continue these partnerships so we can continue to grow the business at scale again, and really the mill can play that pivotal role in Launceston,\u201d Maiale says.<\/p>\n So far, the mill has only had preliminary introductions to AFL officials, through the successful Devils project and a commemorative scarf produced for Hawthorn, celebrating their 25-year commitment to playing in Tasmania.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Successful sales of the scarves, which are priced at $150, show that there is a market for Australian-made, environmentally friendly products, alongside more affordable acrylic offerings from the AFL priced at about $30.<\/p>\n New Zealand brand Rodd & Gunn recently tapped into the growing market for AFL merchandise made from sustainable fabrics with jerseys using Australian cotton, made in Vietnam.<\/p>\n \u201cWe wanted to create something supporters would be proud to wear beyond the siren,\u201d said Mike Beagley, chief executive at Rodd & Gunn.<\/p>\n Sustainable fashion expert Clare Press, founder of The Wardrobe Crisis<\/a> podcast, welcomes the shift in supporter spending.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t too long ago when we saw value in things being made to last,\u201d Press says. \u201cI think we\u2019re returning to that mindset, as we see the waste (including fashion waste) pile up.\u201d<\/p>\n Editor’s pick \u201cWe produce the world\u2019s best quality natural fibres right here in our backyard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe alternative is uninspiring, disconnected, ugly and drab. Nasty acrylic knitted nonsense.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I had to pick the grimmest fabric in existence, I\u2019d go for acrylic, hands down.\u201d<\/p>\n Press has visited the Waverley Mills property in Launceston and supports its commitment to sustainability.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not just about fibre sovereignty; it\u2019s about job opportunities for young people. It wouldn\u2019t take much. A large organisation like the AFL could make a massive difference.\u201d<\/p>\n Make the most of your health with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox<\/a> every Monday.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"Tasmanian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/74c0b1a5dc55e0cb039ef3da2524e9a9e255b5ee.jpeg\")
Tasmanian Devils VFLW player Ebony McGinness with her mother in the limited edition Waverley Mills scarf.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/f05c26815071173691f922a9590ee65df219ed11.jpeg\")
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