Hawthorn’s AFL side inks new two-year deal with Tasmania

With the Tasmania Devils just three years away from joining the AFL, Hawthorn has made a decision on its immediate future in the state. Here’s what we know.

Tasmanian AFL fans can rejoice with Hawthorn locking in a new deal to continue playing in the state.

A renewed $9.1m deal between the Hawks and Tasmanian Government will see eight games played at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium over the next two years.

Hawthorn chief executive Ash Klein said the club was excited about extending the connection with the state.

“Since playing our first game in Tasmania almost 25 years ago, Hawthorn is proud to be bringing AFL games to the state, whilst positively impacting locals through meaningful community programs,” Mr Klein said.

“There are obviously many economic benefits that the matches bring to the local community but what is clear is that our team absolutely loves playing in Launceston, winning almost eight out of every 10 games we play there.”

The Hawks finished the 2024 season as one of the most exciting teams in the competition making their way to a preliminary final against Port Adelaide after starting the season 0-5.

Coach Sam Mitchell and his men developed the fast-paced, hard running style of football with exciting display which saw them rise from wooden spoon candidates to a premiership contender.

Hawthorn will return to the Tasmania for 2026 and 2027 playing eight games across the two seasons. Picture: Simon Sturzaker/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Now, the Hawks and its invention of ‘Hokball’ has them second favourite for the premiership in 2025.

Hawthorn turned UTAS Stadium into a fortress in 2024, winning all four games and only losing one game at the ground in the past two seasons.

Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan said he was thrilled to continue the 24-year partnership with the Hawks.

“The Tasmanian Government is pleased to be entering into a new sponsorship agreement with Hawthorn Football Club for the 2026 and 2027 AFL seasons,” Minister Duigan said.

“With the return on our investment pegged at around 5:1, this new agreement will generate about $46 million for our economy and that is on top of the enjoyment it brings local footy fans.

“Our government is committed to creating opportunities for more Tasmanians to have access to live sporting content, and it’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm of Tasmanians attending major sporting events.

“Whether that’s supporting the Hurricanes in their recent Big Bash League win, the JackJumpers in the NBL or Hawthorn in the AFL.”

The new deal will see the Hawks men’s side play four games per season at UTAS alongside a community engagement program and a club development program.

“The numbers show that Tasmanians love getting out and watching live AFL games, with an average of more than 12,300 attending each of the games played at UTAS Stadium in 2024,” he said.

“We are pleased to be able to bring these games to Tasmanians on home soil, and to provide young people around the state with pathway opportunities to elite-level sports.

“This new deal will complement the development of the Tasmania Devils and ensure we have access to fantastic AFL content right through until the Devils enter the AFL.”

The Devils will join the AFL in 2028 and Hawthorn’s Head of Tasmanian Operations David Cox has left the door open to the Hawks and Devils both playing in Tasmania.

“I think at the moment for us we’ve just inked a deal for 26/27 and that's firmly where our energy and focus will lie is delivering on the agreed extension for those two years,” Cox said.

“Anything beyond that will be a conversation that will happen in due course.”

Originally published as Hawthorn’s AFL side inks new two-year deal with Tasmania