The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have hopped aboard Spirit of Tasmania for the 2022 season.

As a Platinum Partner since the inception of the club’s AFLW team, Spirit of Tasmania will feature on the back of the team’s guernsey, across signage, media backdrops and coaches’ apparel, as well as being prominent on match days.

North’s AFLW team is set to play two games in Tasmania in 2022, one each in Hobart and Launceston, with the club’s total commitment across its men’s and women’s programs totalling six games.

North Melbourne chief executive Ben Amarfio said the relationship had only strengthened over time.

“As a longstanding Platinum Partner, first of the men’s program, and then of both our men’s and women’s teams, Spirit of Tasmania is deeply connected to North Melbourne, and vice versa,” Amarfio said.

“Not only do we have eight Tasmanians in our AFLW program, we’re also firmly entrenched in the community via our Huddle outreach programs.

“Our Platinum partner, Spirit of Tasmania, has been a major driver in delivering these great outcomes for our club and the people of Tassie.”

Britt Gibson, Ellie Gavalas, Daria Bannister and Nicole Bresnehan headline the team’s Tasmanian contingent. They are supported by emerging youngsters Mia King, Brooke Brown, Perri King and Ella Maurer.

Amarfio said Roos fans nationwide should embrace the opportunity to travel to Tasmania on the Spirit and watch their team in action.

“What better way to spend the summer months in this part of Australia – jump on the Spirit and catch a game of AFLW in between experiencing the sights of the beautiful state of Tasmania.”

Spirit of Tasmania chief executive officer Bernard Dwyer said the initial partnership had delivered fantastic benefits for the company and he was confident the one-year extension would see even more benefit flowing through to Tasmania.

“Over the past three years that we have partnered with the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos, we have seen engagement with the team and the AFLW grow from strength to strength,” Dwyer said.

“What was really great for us to see this year was the number of fans cheering on the team at the two games that were played in Tasmania.

“These games provide the opportunity for aspiring junior players in Tasmania to see the game played at an elite level.

“These games also bring the local community together which was an important consideration for the company.”