North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio has kicked off the club’s AFLW Community Camp in Hobart with a strong speech reiterating the Kangaroos’ commitment to the southern-most state.

In front of the entire North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos’ squad and coaches, Amarfio underlined the work the club had been doing since it began playing games at Blundstone Arena in 2012.

“As CEO, I want to reaffirm North Melbourne’s support for the state, talent pathways and in particular, women’s football,” Amarfio stated.

“We have nine Tasmanian women in our current team - that is a credit to everyone involved and shows young girls here, that they can realise their dreams and become AFLW footballers.

“Seven of our women are based here, while two live in Melbourne.

“We aim to have 50 per cent Tassie representation in the coming years which will take some work, but together, we will get there with the government’s support, our NGA academy and development pathways and the signing of our new academy coach and club champion, Michael Firrito.”

Amarfio also credited The Huddle for its work in local schools.

“In 2019 in partnership with AFL Tasmania and the Beacon Foundation, The Huddle has delivered programs to more than 17,000 students in over 170 schools throughout the State to help young people learn, grow and belong through its Next Generation in Schools and GOAL! programs,” he said.

While the focus of the visit is on the community, Amarfio and the team also have their eyes on picking up where the Roos’ left off last year, and winning the premiership.

“We are very happy to be back in Tasmania - the place where we kicked off our inaugural campaign earlier this year at North Hobart Oval where the girls ran out victors over Carlton to record their first win ... one of many more to come,” he said.

“There are big things on the horizon for us all.

“To Scott Gowans and the team - we wish you all the best for the upcoming season and I’m sure the people of Tasmania will get behind our women’s team once again.”

Speaking from the camp, Tasmanian defender Nicole Bresnehan said she was proud to represent the team in her home state.

“We’re incredibly excited to be having our community and training camp in Hobart," she said.

“For me being able to get around my home town is great, but the girls from Melbourne were also really excited to come down.

"Getting around the community really great for us; it's awesome to see how the other players react and it’s definitely really rewarding for us."