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National

The search for a name for Tasmania's new AFL team begins, with Devils early favourite

It seems like the Tasmanian Devils in the frontrunner, but other suggestions are in the mix. (ABC News: James Dunlevie)

The AFL has signed on the dotted line, the Macquarie Point stadium deal is done.

The dream of a Tasmanian team in the national competition has been delivered, decades after it was first put forward. 

So, what will it be named?

If you look at the current 18 AFL teams, 10 have monikers from the animal kingdom — Tigers, Lions, Hawks, Bulldogs, et cetera.

Will the Tasmanian team follow suit?

The island state has already embraced one unusual animal name with the NBL basketball team — Tasmania JackJumpers — named after a vicious ant.

At Wednesday's announcement of a team licence becoming official AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said it was up to "Tasmanian football and the broader community … to get in involved" in the naming.

Taz the Tasmanian devil, pictured with other Warner Brothers Looney Tunes cartoon characters. (Warner Brothers)

One of the strong contenders would have to be the Devils, but crossing into the copyright territory of a certain cartoon character might prove tricky.

The JackJumpers name is already taken, by the state's basketball team. (ABC News: Luke Bowden.)

"If I'm pushed, the Devils seem to make sense to me and I know there's been debate around the legalities and copyright issues, they broadly can be worked through," McLachlan said.

"I know there'd be broad-minded people at Warner Brothers, but that will be for others to decide

McLachlan said there is "leasing, renting appropriation of trademark stuff all of the time".

"I don't believe that's the big issue, big companies work through that stuff all the time.

"The bigger issue will be what the Tasmanian public want and the process that's run to get to the name by the board, whenever it's established."

Tassie lad and Tigers' star Jack Riewoldt played his hand at the licence announcement in Hobart.

"I like the name the Devils," he said.

"Obviously, the Tasmanian devil, this is its natural habitat so it's a fitting name for that."

"There's a few little hoops to jump through there with Warner Brothers but I like the idea of having a heritage round and wearing the map."

"There are two recent teams that have come into the AFL that are great blueprints for us to look at what works and look at areas that we can improve and take advantage of."

The name Tasmania Devils is already in play as the title of the state's sides in the AFL football pathway competition for boys and girls in the eastern states.

In keeping with the animal trend, ABC audience members have suggested the Turbo Chooks (native hens renowned for their speed) and the Pademelons (they're pretty quick too).

A pademelon, not very threatening, it must be said. (ABC Open contributor Digital Hippie)

Audience member Luke suggested the Tassie Penguins (not so renowned for being spritely) — but as he pointed out it "continues the well established trend of bird-themed AFL mascots".

Though, he added the Penguins might not be in keeping with the longstanding colour scheme featuring green.

So what else is out there that could be quintessentially Tasmanian?

Young Tasmanian football players Temo Robertson (left) and Tommy Bennett at the announcement of Tasmania's AFL licence. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

The southern most state is renowned for its great food and wine scene and the audience obliged with the Tassie scallops, Tassie Tubers and Tassie Apples, to name a few.

Natty argued "the Tasmanian Salmons has a nice ring to it".

Nix-C offered the "Boags", before adding "although I do like Pademelons".

Other offerings included:

"The Moss, Tasmanian Moss. It's green. There's moss in Tassie."

The "Tasmanian Spirit" (nice sponsorship opportunity there with the Bass Strait ferries).

'The Shippies" (after Tasmania's infamous Shipstern Bluff surf break), "known as the heaviest slab of a wave on earth".

Gillon McLachlan says it will be up to "Tasmanian football and the broader community" to decide on a name. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

Adam said his suggestion of "The Islanders" would be "inclusive of all the Tasmanian islands and clearly states the unique status of the team".

And some not-so-kind suggestions came in, including from Evan, who put forward the "Two Heads", while TasDev said "Hobart Hillbillies" and Tanya "A Government Waste of Taxpayers Money".

Some have suggested the team name Tasmania Spirit, which might provide an easy sponsor opportunity. (Facebook: Spirit of Tasmania)

After the name and the colours are settled, then there's the theme song.

Comedian Sammy J has that covered should they pick The Apples, with a rousing tune fit for even the most tone-deaf player in the post-game clubroom singalong.

The opening line reminding opponents the team might be the new kids on the block but the pedigree is strong. Here's an excerpt:

"We're the Tassie Apples, fresh from the tree; we've been training for a century.

"We're the Tassie Apples, so give us a bite; the smaller the island, the bigger the fight.

"The Spirit of Tasmania is sailing away, but we're the only team that won't spew.

"From Cradle Mountain to the roundabout fountain, we're gonna take a bite out of you."

Whatever name is chosen, many Tasmanians are counting the days until they can wear out their vocal cords singing it loud and proud when their team finally runs out.

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