Tasmanian Museum showcases JackJumpers historic rise and place in state history

The JackJumpers significance and standing in Tasmanian history is being celebrated in a new exhibition at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), recognising the history-making rise of the club over just 5 years in the NBL.

Highlighting the JackJumpers' unprecedented journey from NBL newcomers to national champions, the TMAG display features the 2023/24 NBL Championship trophy, the 2024 Intercontinental Cup bronze medal, and significant team memorabilia, including rare player jerseys. The exhibition highlights the team’s impact on Tasmanian sport and identity as they prepare for their fifth NBL season.

TMAG Director Mary Mulcahy said the museum is proud to spotlight such a contemporary and inspiring Tasmanian story.

“We’re thrilled to share this part of Tasmania’s sporting story and celebrate how sport has helped shape our culture,” she said.

TMAG welcomed key members of the Tasmania JackJumpers on Tuesday — including head coach Scott Roth, inaugural captain Clint Steindl, and newest import player Tyger Campbell — as they toured the recently opened exhibition The Jackies: Marching into NBL26.

“I didn't know what to expect coming in, but they have the display here visible for all the visitors to come through and learn the history of the JackJumpers. It’s been remarkable — going into our fifth year — and to share that with the public, and have children coming in here and aspire to be a JackJumper… it’s really nice" Head Coach, Scott Roth said.

“It’s been a little bit overwhelming, obviously, the last couple of years and the success that we've had on and off the floor,” he said. “But I'm most proud of how we’ve connected the state from top to bottom — this is a great display of that.

“It’s awesome,” Roth added. “To have this here, visible for all the visitors to come through and learn the JackJumpers’ history — and for young kids to come in and aspire to be part of it — that’s really special.”

TMAG Director Mary Mulcahy, JackJumpers Inaugural Captain Clint Steindl, Head Coach Scot Roth and CEO Christine Finnegan visit The Jackies: Marching into NBL26. Image: Liam Boric 

For exhibition curator Isobel Andrewartha, capturing the JackJumpers’ story in a museum setting was about more than just sport — it was about community and belonging.

“I come from a sporting curation background, and I think it's really important for museums to not only showcase things from long ago, but also the recent past,” Andrewartha said.

“A lot of what we do is about speaking to children and families — asking how they want to learn about the world, how they feel they belong. And sport is such a big part of that for so many people.”

Andrewartha noted that the exhibition has already struck a chord with a diverse range of visitors.

“The feedback’s been fantastic,” she said. “It’s really nice for people to see something a bit unexpected. There have been people lingering who perhaps weren’t expecting to connect so easily to something in a museum. And it's the kind of vibe that really pulls in teenagers — which is always a goal for us.”

The display was developed in collaboration with the JackJumpers, and Andrewartha credited their enthusiasm and foresight in preserving the team’s early history.

“I approached [Head of Operations] Jack Soward from the JackJumpers and said, ‘We don’t have anything that represents the team in the museum — what have you got?’” she recalled. “And he immediately offered Clint Steindl’s jersey from the first year. You can’t ask for someone more engaged than that. Recognising you’re involved in something important early on is the key to building heritage.”

That sense of pride and history was echoed by Steindl himself, who reflected on what it meant to see his jersey on display.

“It's definitely special,” said Steindl. “It’s only been four years, and to think we’ve got something of this stature in the museum is amazing. Seeing the medal, Dream’s jersey, the trophy, my jersey — a lot of memories come back.”

Steindl also emphasised the deeper meaning behind the JackJumpers’ success.

“People often only see the two hours on court, but there’s so much more behind it. From day one, we wanted to walk off the floor knowing the crowd — and the whole state — felt proud of us. That trophy is just the cherry on top.”

For JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan, the exhibition reflects just how far the club has come.

“To be featured at TMAG means a lot to the club,” Finnegan said. “It’s a reflection of how far we’ve come, not just as a team, but as a symbol of Tasmanian pride — and is another great opportunity for the community to share in our story.”

The Jackies: Marching into NBL26 is now open to the public at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery until November 9. It is the first of a series of sporting exhibitions planned at TMAG with planning for a Hobart Hurricanes display underway.