Former Tasmania Premier Peter Gutwein has hinted there will be discussions with entertainment studio Warner Bros to allow the 19th licence to be named the Devils.
With a 19th licence expected to be formally awarded to the state of Tasmania on Wednesday, new AFL CEO-elect Andrew Dillon has said he’ll let the people of the Apple Isle choose the club’s new name.
As Gutwein says, Tasmanians are in favour of the name being the ‘Tasmanian Devils’. But the commercial trademark is owned by Warner Bros entertainment for its famous cartoon character.
If the Devils name passes the pub test, the new team might have to come to an arrangement with the American entertainment giant in order to commercialise the club.
Dillon suggested as much on SEN’s Sportsday.
“I do know there is something with Warner Bros, but (I am) not 100 per cent across that one. I have got an absolutely open mind, the name of the Tasmanian team should be owned by the people of Tasmania,” he said on Monday night.
Gutwein hinted that he can only see the team getting one of two names, but the Tasmania Tigers wouldn’t be a goer alongside Richmond.
“To be quite frank, I like the Devils,” he said.
“Obviously there are some challenges we might have to work through which we always understood in terms of the (Warner Bros) aspect of this.
“But put it this way. I couldn’t give a stuff what we call it, we’ve got a team and we’re going to make it successful.”
When asked if there will be conversations with Warner Bros, Gutwein again suggested Devils would be the best name.
“Look, I think the Devisl is well accepted here. We’ve got a very successful younger Devils side that is sitting top of the ladder I think… young Tasmanians would warm to that,” he responded.
“Tassie Tigers is ruled out because of Richmond, obvious reasons.
“So if the Devils could be achieved I think that would be good.
“But as I said, I don’t think it will matter too much at the end of the day, whoever pulls on that jumper, whatever it’s called, they will defend this island. They will take the new club forward with the effort and vigour and determination that many people… have worked to get this team in place.”
The more pressing issue at the time is Gillon McLachlan’s announcement of a 19th licence, set to take place in Tasmania just five days after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his Government would fund $240 million of the new stadium at Macquarie Point.
Gutwein led the charge for a long time of a team in Tasmania before resigning and handballing responsibility to new Tassie Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who – alongside McLachlan – sealed the deal.
Gutwein also didn’t rule out becoming president of the expansion club as the pieces fall into place, but added it was a “decision for others”.