Arabic version: تاسمانيا ديفلز تسعى إلى صوت نسائي لأغنية الفريق

According to The Guardian, the Tasmania Devils want female and male voices on the official recording of their AFL and AFLW team song, in what would be an AFL first. The expansion club expects to select the song by the end of the year.

The eight-person song selection panel has met three times and is developing criteria due to be released next month. Its aims include a melody that works for AFL players, AFLW players and supporters, along with lyrics intended to be inclusive of all Tasmanians.

Caroline Sharpen, chief executive of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and a panel member, said a female vocal should reflect that the Devils have AFL and AFLW teams within one club. The panel also includes musical theatre performer John X and former Richmond player Matthew Richardson.

Devils VFLW captain Meghan Gaffney said the song must be singable by men and women and work in acoustically challenging stadiums. She said it should be arranged so that players do not need professional musical ability for it to sound good.

More than 200 unsolicited songs have already been submitted. Up There Cazaly singer Mike Brady and Tasmanian punk band Luca Brasi have also expressed interest in writing the song. The panel plans to formally seek submissions next month before deciding later this year.