Tasmania Devils Unveil Controversial Mascot Rum’un Ahead of AFL Launch

The Tasmania Devils AFL club recently unveiled their mascot, Rum’un, a character designed to embody the spirit of Tasmanian culture while appealing to young fans. Created by Bryony Anderson of Terrapin Puppet Theatre, Rum’un's design incorporates recycled materials and reflects local community input, including a cheeky persona intended to resonate with children. Despite the mascot's local backing, it has faced mixed reactions from the public, with some social media users comparing it unfavorably to a rat and expressing disappointment. Nevertheless, club officials are optimistic about Rum’un's role in promoting the team as they prepare for their AFL debut in 2028. The club has reported a strong membership base, with over 207,000 founding members since its launch last year, indicating significant community support. Rum’un will be active in engaging with local schools and communities as part of the team's outreach efforts.