Merchandise Supplier: Savage Merch

Whether it’s Leo the Staffordshire Bull Terrier moving around the office following the sun or the piping-hot party pies that have become a Thursday tradition, warmth is key for one of the Tasmania Devils’ official merchandise suppliers.

The club has proudly partnered with Kingston-based apparel manufacturer Savage Merch to produce a range of footy beanies and scarves that will help fans stave off the winter chill.

The company, based in Mertonvale Circuit, is run by close mates Dan Gray and Chris Bowles, who played football together and are still donning the whites for local cricket side the Longley Bunyips in summer.

The partnership with the Devils is a significant one for their small Tasmanian business.

“You look at the AFL and what a large corporation that is and for us, a little tin-shed operation down at Kingston chipping in,” Gray said.

“It speaks to the closeness of the Tasmanian community and looking after and supporting each other.”

Savage Merch has handled the production of many foundation scarves and beanies that are traditional in style but unique in colour.

“The green is the masterpiece of it all I think,” Gray said.

“Especially given the very fact that nobody else has green and Tassie is green just generally.”

Gray also knows a thing or two about Tasmanian footy start ups having played for the state’s under 18 side, the Tassie Mariners, in their first season in 1995.

Future AFL stars Brodie Holland and Russell Robertson were his teammates, while the now Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan was in charge.

These days, Gray is the one doing the coaching with the Hobart Football Club – where his father Peter also played – currently under his guidance.

Gray is highly enthusiastic about the Devils impending entry into the AFL and AFLW.

“It’ll be a nice thing to get behind,” he said.

“An AFL team playing for premiership points, it’s pretty exciting, and even that next generation coming through that can be inspired by their local heroes.”

While scarves and beanies form the basis of the initial partnership between the Tasmania Football Club and Savage Merch, the business is keen to produce additional items for the club.