The AFL have already attempted to take it down once, but the duo behind the Tasmanian Turbo Chooks are back with their ‘dream-team’ merch – which is raising money for Tasmanian charities.
Dan Taylor – co-host of Hit 100.9 Hobart Breakfast, and his Northern mate Ash Wayling, have gone to market with the tongue-in-cheek brand for the state’s new AFL team – selling Turbo Chooks stickers, t-shirts and hats.
The pair, who are both well-respected members of the Tasmanian comedy community, say all profits from the merch sales going towards Shelter Tas and Strike It Out – supporting Tasmania’s homeless.
Their initial design, which includes the words ‘Tasmania’ above the Turbo Chooks lettering, was taken down by merchandise site RedBubble – citing copyright infringement to the Australian Football League.
“We were raising money for Shelter Tas and Strike It Out,” Dan said. “But the AFL have taken it [the Turbo Chooks merch] down – except it doesn’t exist yet,” Dan said.
Dan & Ash have since replaced the word ‘Tasmania’ with ‘Sports Ball’ and put the merch back up for sale.
Despite the comedic attempts, the Tasmanian Devils remain the front-runner to become the name of the new Tasmanian AFL team.
However, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he ‘isn’t ruling out’ the Turbo Chooks name just yet.
You can find the Turbo Chooks merch here & here.