The Heart of it: A distinctly Tasmanian conversation

Ian Callinan

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 – highly skilled on both left and right foot and with an uncanny sense of where the goals were.
But despite a glittering football resume, Callinan’s dream of being drafted to the AFL was a cruel tale of continual rejection.
It took a move away from Tasmania to deliver a belated chance at the highest level and he took it with both hands.
Now back home living in Hobart, Callinan has overcome a fresh challenge, having suffered a stroke at the age of 37.

Darrin Pritchard

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. He also reflects on his childhood growing up at Mount Nelson, the guidance of Chris Fagan and Andy Bennett at the Sandy Bay Football Club and captaining Tasmania in one of its most famous triumphs.

Jess Wuetschner

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 and the crippling aftereffects. The women’s football trail blazer also reflects on her involvement in the AFLW revolution and her new role guiding the next generation of Tasmanian players.

Max Brown

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. In this episode, he reflects on the bitter rivalries that existed between towns in what was a fertile breeding ground for football champions. 

Peter Gutwein

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. Gutwein also shares his own extraordinary football story, which began as a kid at Myrtle Park, saw him represent Tasmania and play senior NTFA football at the age of 15. By his own admission, talented but temperamental, Gutwein once needed the help of Queen Elizabeth to resume his football career with East Launceston. He ultimately went on to play with Swan Districts in the WAFL during the emergence of the West Coast Eagles. 

Peter Hudson

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 growing up behind the Boyer Oval in New Norfolk and his cherished memories of playing in a senior premiership with his father as a 15-year old. From kicking 18 goals in a game against Hobart and not receiving the three votes, to traveling by Helicopter to play with Hawthorn and scarcely remembering a moment of his only VFL premiership, Peter Hudson’s story is truly the stuff of legend. 

Mia King

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 that have accompanied it. She also touches on the disappointment of losing last season's AFLW Grand Final, her love for Tasmania and the family's shack on the state's east coast. 

Royce Hart

The Australian Football Hall of Fame contains 31 legends, four of them are from Tasmania. The island state that accounts for some two percent of the nation's population extraordinarily boasts 12-percent of its football greats. One of those greats is Royce Hart, arguably the game's finest ever centre half forward. 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 for the princely sum of six shirts and suit. 

Jeremy Howe

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. Howe has also endured his share of harrowing experiences. From early challenges at Melbourne and the unexpected death of his mother to the horrific broken arm that almost derailed his premiership dream, life has delivered its share of challenges. In this episode of At the Heart of It, Howe reflects on a football career like few others.