Liberal Party promise to extend the Hawthorn Tassie deal beyond Devils entry into AFL

Hawthorn will continue to play home games in Tasmania beyond the entry of the Tasmania Devils in 2028 under a re-elected Liberal government. The new deal >>>

Government backed Hawthorn home-and-away games will continue to be played in Launceston beyond the entry of a Tasmanian team into the AFL, under a re-elected Liberal government.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff released a statement on Saturday in the lead up to the Hawthorn-North Melbourne clash at UTAS Stadium saying if re-elected, the government would guarantee a minimum of six AFL games a year post 2027 – including in 2028 and 2029. The Tasmania Devils are due enter the league in 2028.

Exact details of the six-game deal are still to be finalised but the games are expected to be a mix of Devils and Hawthorn home games.

Jack Gunston of the Hawks celebrates a goal during the round 16 AFL match between Hawthorn and North Melbourne at University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston on Saturday. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Hawthorn play four games a year in Launceston and signed a new two-year $9.1m deal at the beginning of 2025 to continue the arrangement.

“We will work collaboratively with the Devils, the AFL and the City of Launceston to secure more AFL content in 2028 and 2029,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We know there is a significant benefit to the regional economy and will build on the successful partnership with the Hawthorn Football Club that commenced in 2001.

“It follows a two-year deal struck earlier this year, which is expected to generate around $46m for our local economy when it takes effect in 2026.

Hawthorn president Andy Gowers, Tasmania premier Jeremy Rockliff and Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves announce a new two-year $9.1m deal at UTAS Stadium in January. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“Our guarantee to deliver additional games in 2028 and 2029 means that UTAS Stadium will see more AFL content than ever before as the Devils take the field.”

It is understood the Liberals would expect Launceston City Council to put up more funding in a future deal now that the government has taken over ongoing costs to maintain UTAS Stadium.

Hawthorn has previously expressed a desire to continue to play games in Launceston beyond the Devil’s entry into the AFL.

Originally published as Liberal Party promise to extend the Hawthorn Tassie deal beyond Devils entry into AFL