Demon delight as tradition returns

IT’S back to the future for TSL club North Hobart tomorrow as the Demons return to their traditional name and traditional guernsey after a four-year fight to get them back.

The club became the Hobart City Demons in a reshuffle of State League licences in 2013 and the club faithful did not take it well.

Tomorrow, when the Demons hit North Hobart Oval for the opening round of the TSL season against the Tigers at 2pm, it will be a milestone day for Australia’s second most successful club.

“We play once again as North Hobart so it’s a great day for the footy club, a historic day for the footy club,” said president Craig Martin.

“There will be three games here — Mercury Cup, seniors and under-18s playing as well — and we want as many of the Demons family to come along and support the boys.”

Mr Martin said the return meant “everything to so many people”.

“For some people it will be quite an emotional day to see the club play as North Hobart again and in our beautiful traditional red and blue jumper,” he said.

“It will be a day of extreme happiness and, for many, emotional as well — I know I will probably be emotional to see North Hobart back in the red and blue jumper.”

Some of North Hobart’s legendary players got together at the traditional home of Tasmanian football yesterday to celebrate the occasion with current players.

Club great Trevor Best has high hopes for the team.

“It has taken us four years to get here, now we’re here we’ve got to build our side up,” he said.

Des Graham, a star in the 1950s and ’60s, was happiest of all.

“It’s wonderful. When you pulled it on you became a different man — it’s a jumper to die for,” he said.