The AFL, Tigers and Hawks will stage a pre-season match to raise funds for the Devonport community after tragic accident

The AFL will schedule a pre-season match in Tasmania in March to support the Devonport community after this week’s tragic accident

Mourners pay tribute to the children who died this week in a tragic jumping castle accident at Hillcrest Primary School in Tasmania. Picture: Jason Edwards

Hawthorn and Richmond will play an AFL pre-season tribute match in Tasmania in March to support the devastated Devonport community after this week’s tragic event.

Details are still being finalised but one venue option for the game is Dial Park in Penguin, on Tasmania’s north-west coast.

The announcement follows the deaths of five Hillcrest Primary School students in a jumping castle accident.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said it was important the football industry showed support for the Devonport community.

“On behalf of the AFL, I extend my deepest condolences to everyone impacted by the accident at Hillcrest Primary in Devonport earlier this week,” McLachlan said.

The AFL has scheduled a pre-season match in honour of the five Hillcrest Primary school students who died in a tragic accident this week. Picture: Jason Edwards

“To all those affected by the tragedy, including the families, first responders, the school community and the wider Devonport community, we send our thoughts.

“We can’t imagine the heartbreak that everyone in the close-knit north-west community of Tasmania is going through – we share in that heartbreak and, as an industry, we are united in our commitment to help.”

The AFL, as well as Hawks and Tigers officials, will work closely with the local community and Tasmanian Government and hold a fundraising event in the lead-up to the match.

North Melbourne, which, like Hawthorn, has a longstanding relationship with Tasmania, will provide support as well.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett, Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale and Kangaroos CEO Ben Amarfio all offered their condolences to the Devonport community.

Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale and the Tigers as a whole are offering their support for the Devonport community. Picture: Ian Currie, NCA NewsWire

“Everyone has been completely heartbroken by the tragic loss of young lives in Devonport this week,” Gale said.

“Nothing can make right what has happened but if, in some small way, we can help bring the Devonport and north-west coastal community together, then we are only too happy to help.

“Tasmania is a place close to the heart of Richmond Football Club, and Devonport was home to (club great) Matthew Richardson and his family.

“The club and Matthew will do whatever we can to support the Devonport community during this incredibly difficult time.”

The pre-season match will be played at 1.10pm AEDT on Saturday, March 5 at a to-be-determined venue. The AFL will release the full pre-season fixture on Monday.