Hawthorn wants to build a rivalry with new Tasmanian team after two-decade presence

After nearly 20 years of playing in Tasmania, Hawthorn stands to lose a lot from the 19th AFL team coming in.

Sam Mitchell has declared that it would be a “waste of 20 years“ if Hawthorn’s relationship with Tasmania ceases when the 19th AFL team enters the competition and hopes his club can build a rivalry with the new side.

The Hawthorn coach said the AFL’s announcement on Wednesday that Tasmania had secured an AFL licence came with mixed emotions given the Hawks had more than 8000 members in the region.

Mitchell said it was his job to ensure the club retained as many members as possible and was excited by the prospect of a rivalry between the two sides in the Apple Isle.

It comes just a week after captain James Sicily apologised for saying he “couldn’t imagine” living in Tasmania as an AFL player.

Hawthorn playing in Launceston in round 6. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Mitchell remains hopeful the Hawks will maintain a relationship with Tasmania once they join the competition in 2028.

“I think they deserve the team, I’ve been going there and we’ve been going there for the best part of 20 years and the passion that they have for the sport, I think it is fantastic that they’ve got a licence,” Mitchell said.

“There’s a part of me – I’m the coach of Hawthorn – we’ve got over 8000 members there, we’re going to do everything we can to keep them supporting Hawthorn.

“I’m probably a bit on my own thinking that they are a competitor right now. Everyone else is very supportive, we are and it is great that they have a licence, but I think my job is to try and retain as many of those Hawthorn fans as we can and build a bit of a rivalry because when we go there it is our home, but pretty soon that will be quite a different feeling which will be a challenge for the Hawthorn fans down there.

“I think the players and certainly the coaches and how we go about it down there is enjoyable, it does feel homely. And I think it would be sad and a waste of 20 years of work in the community to throw it all away and step away completely from Tasmania.

Welcome aboard, Tasmania. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/QqjCAfsX8r

— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) May 3, 2023

“So I hope that we can continue to build a relationship – when we play against Tassie I think there will be something to that in 2028. I’m really happy for them that they get their own team, but by the same token, please keep going for the Hawks.”

Mitchell confirmed that veteran goalkicker Luke Breust and rebounding defender Changkuoth Jiath would both be managed for the trip west to face Fremantle.

“Luke Breust and CJ have been just getting up for every game, but they’ll both be managed this week and hopefully just to get their bodies back on top of it,” he said.

Hawthorn has a relatively clean bill of health, with only four players on its injury list. Ruckman Max Lynch is back at the club doing light exercises after his latest instance of concussion.