A brand new Tasmanian devil mascot, named Rum’un, has been unveiled as the symbol for the long-awaited AFL team in Tasmania. The mascot, which translates to a slang term in the Macquarie Dictionary meaning someone odd or cheeky, made its first appearance at an event held in Hobart’s Theatre Royal. Clad in recycled fur crafted from school uniforms, Rum’un sashayed down the runway and let out a roar that thrilled the audience.

Developed in partnership with the Tasmania-based Terrapin Puppet Theatre, Rum’un’s creation involved contributions from local schoolchildren. His fur is composed of recycled polo shirts, track pants, and old backpacks collected from across the island. The mascot was designed to be different from typical mascots, embodying a more ferocious and energetic character rather than the friendly and cuddly nature often associated with such figures.

Rum’un is set to embark on a tour of Tasmania, engaging with communities and serving as an ambassador for the Tasmania Devils before the team’s planned AFL men’s debut in 2028. While the mascot has received mixed reactions on social media, with some praising its uniqueness and others finding it terrifying, Tasmania Football Club CEO Brendon Gale is confident that Rum’un will become a beloved symbol for the team. He describes the mascot as uniquely Tasmanian, handcrafted, and reflective of the club’s values of grit and determination.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/mar/19/tasmania-devils-afl-mascot-rumun