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Posted: 2024-04-04 18:27:24

Still beaming from the JackJumpers' extraordinary NBL triumph, club chief executive Christine Finnegan is already planning the future of elite sport in Tasmania.

But she's not just trying to expand basketball's reach in the state.

A sport that has so often struggled for media and corporate backing is now trying to give the AFL a leg up in Tasmania.

"We're better off together exchanging ideas and defending this beautiful island together," Ms Finnegan said.

A group of Tasmania NBL players cheer, cry and embrace on the court after winning the title.

JackJumpers players celebrate defeating Melbourne United in game five of the NBL finals series on Sunday.(AAP: James Ross)

The Tasmania JackJumpers are actively sharing the lessons learned from their success with the AFL's startup club the Tasmania Devils.

"I don't see why we shouldn't work hand-in-glove. We work in different seasons. We're obviously a summer sport, AFL are a winter sport," she said.

"There's no doubt that you fight for the entertainment dollar and the hearts and minds, but I think Tasmanians are so parochial now that they're going to make room for two of us."

A woman in a black shirt.

Christine Finnegan says the basketball and football clubs can work together.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)

The JackJumpers have helped provide guidance to former AFL champion Jack Riewoldt as he set about trying to build a culture and identity from the ground up for what has become the Tasmania Devils.

Ms Finnegan thinks it's just the start of mutually beneficial relationship between the young Tasmanian clubs.

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