Australian test captain Tim Paine has officially thrown his support behind Tasmanian media's United We Stand campaign for an AFL side.
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Donning a Tasmanian football jumper ahead of the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval, Paine was considered good enough to be an AFL star as a junior but chose cricket and says it's time to "get them in the big league."
"I think it's time Tasmania had their own AFL team," Paine said in the video.
TIME TO DECIDE:
- AFL need to believe, says Brad Green
- Q&A: Chris Fagan on Tasmania's bid for an AFL team
- 'There's a thirst': Brady, Thorp, Sanders talk logistics
- Tasmanian AFL team: Getting the economics right
- Footy pathway needs earlier start: Sanders
- Time for Tas to sever team ties, says former AFL boss
- Editorial: Now is the time to believe
- AFL bid is now or never
- Sign the pledge here
"I think it's time all Tasmanians get behind the cause at unitedwestand.com.au. Get on there and pledge your allegiance to the Tasmanian Footy Club."
The 34-year-old gloveman recently became the first Australian captain since Steve Waugh in 2001 to retain the Ashes on English soil with a 185-run victory ensuring the urn returns to Australia.
Over 19,000 people have pledged their support for a Tasmanian side competing in the big league, with the goal of 50,000 set to get the AFL's attention.
To follow Paine's lead and sign the pledge, click here.
Do you know a junior sports star who calls Northern Tasmania home? Nominate them today.
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