The Heart of it
Welcome to The Heart of it, where we delve deep into the stories behind the legends of Tasmanian football. In this podcast, we explore the rich tapestry of Tasmania's football history, celebrating the players who have left an indelible mark on the game.
While their achievements on the field have been well-documented, we believe there's more to the story. Our conversations go beyond the headlines, offering listeners a glimpse into the journey that shaped these remarkable careers. From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success, we uncover the driving forces behind their passion for the game.
Tasmanian football fans will relish the opportunity to hear the reflections of past greats, gaining insight into the essence of their remarkable careers. But this podcast is more than just a trip down memory lane; it's a celebration of Tasmania's immense contribution to football.
Join us as we explore the heart of Tasmania's football legacy, fostering a sense of connection and belonging among fans, past players, and the broader community. These conversations are more than just nostalgia; they're a testament to the enduring spirit of Tasmanian football. Welcome to The Heart of it: A distinctly Tasmanian conversation.
Episodes

Dodges Ferry flier Jeremy Howe has tasted the greatest high in football, an AFL premiership, but the story of his career is not totally defined by the high marks and high moments.

In this episode, Royce reflects on his early years on farms at Whiteford and Orileton, his earliest football memories including hitch-hiking home from training and the famous deal that saw him sign with Richmond.

Launceston's Mia King reflects on her journey from talented teenage gymnast to emerging star of the AFLW. With a family history that bears the scars of the stolen generation, King opens up on her indigenous heritage and the challenges she has faced.

With 727 goals in only 129 VFL games at an average of 5.64, the extraordinary goal kicking feats of Australian Football Hall of Fame legend Peter Hudson will never be surpassed. In this episode, the champion full-forward reflects on his early years.

The state of Tasmania is well known for its football champions, in this episode a true champion of Tasmanian football’s quest to join the AFL, former premier Peter Gutwein, discusses the strongarm tactics he used to help deliver the coveted 19th license.

One of Tasmanian football’s sharpest minds Max Brown discusses his journey from premiership-winning forward to highly decorated coach. Affectionately known as ‘The Fox,’ Brown’s involvement in senior football on the north west coast spans five decades.

From a near death experience to an AFLW premiership, the career of Tasmania Devils girls’ head coach Jess Wuetschner has been truly remarkable. In this episode, Wuetschner details the circumstances around her brush with death & the crippling after effects

One of the AFL’s finest wingmen during the 80’s and 90’s Darrin Pritchard played in three premierships with Hawthorn, the club he barracked for as a child. In this episode, Pritchard details how he had initially hoped to play for Fitzroy.

There is no better example of the importance of the state’s AFL license to young Tasmanians than the story of Ian Callinan. A star junior, the Rokeby product was the epitome of the natural footballer.

One of only four players in the history of the game to win three Brownlow Medals, Ian Stewart describes the harsh environment that gave rise to his immense football talents.

Andy Bennett is proof you don’t need to be born in Tasmania to become a Tasmanian – a very passionate Tasmanian. Originally from Broken Hill, Bennett was very late to football but quickly rose to prominence representing the revered South Australian state

In 1987, a young Cox was drafted by the Bombers, initially without his knowledge, but he was too focused on his blossoming cricket career to take the club’s offer seriously. It’s something, to this day, he still regrets.

A champion swimmer, who once shared the pool with Olympic golden girl Ariarne Titmus, Nicole Bresnahan only started playing football as a 19-year old. Just a couple of years later she was drafted by North Melbourne.

A former Tasmanian player who became a state league senior coach at the age of 24, Zane Littlejohn quickly established his credentials winning back-to-back premierships with North Launceston.

There have been few more brilliant or flamboyant footballers than Campbell Town’s Brent Crosswell, who won four VFL premierships with Carlton and North Melbourne. An extreme talent possessing skill, speed and power, Crosswell was a schoolboy prodigy.

The Launceston suburb of Waverley might be best known for its woolen mill, but it can also lay claim to a Collingwood premiership star. Doug Barwick was recruited to Fitzroy after winning a best and fairest with East Launceston in 1983.

Laura McBain was a young mother when she packed up her belongings and moved from Sydney to the northern Tasmanian town of Exeter. After a challenging start to her new life in Australia's smallest state, McBain would rise from humble beginnings...

A key pillar in Essendon’s quest for an AFLW premiership, Wynyard’s Ellyse Gamble has enjoyed the highs and lows of football and of life since being drafted while on an east coast bushwalk in 2017.

A member of the Tasmanian Team of the Century, Paul Williams was drafted to Collingwood as a schoolboy and after a controversial move to the Sydney Swans in 2001...

The only Tasmanian to win the coveted Norm Smith Medal, Colin Robertson, grew up on a dairy and potato farm in the small north west town of Yolla. The paddocks, with tree limbs for goals posts, were Robertson’s equivalent of the MCG.

If you peruse the honour boards of Ulverstone sporting clubs, there’s every chance you’ll find the surname Pearce – more than once. And if you look at the honour roll of the Fremantle Football Club, you’ll find the name there too...

Long locks, long limbs, long run ups.. Ben Brown was one of the most recognisable figures in AFL football during a 175-game, 360-goal career that culminated in a premiership with Melbourne in 2021.