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State Government defers Hawthorn contract talks

The coronavirus crisis could see Hawthorn’s river of cash courtesy of the Tasmanian taxpayer dry up.

TASMANIA’S multimillion-dollar payment to Hawthorn could be partially withheld with the Hawks unlikely to play games in Launceston before crowds.

And Premier Peter Gutwein has opened talks with league boss Gillon McLachlan about the state possibly becoming a hub to start the AFL season early.

Tasmania is currently in the fourth season of a five-year deal worth more than $19 million to the Hawks in return for four home matches a year in Launceston and naming rights sponsor for the club.

The deal is part of a tourism strategy to bring visitors to northern Tasmania in the winter months but that economic stimulus has been denied due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Hawks leave the field after the Round 19 AFL match at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston on July 27, 2019. Picture: AAP IMAGE/JULIAN SMITH
The Hawks leave the field after the Round 19 AFL match at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston on July 27, 2019. Picture: AAP IMAGE/JULIAN SMITH

Mr Gutwein said he had begun talks of COVID-19’s impact on the deal with Hawks president Jeff Kennett and chief executive Justin Reeves.

“We agreed that we would have further discussions regarding the current season and our associated contractual arrangements once we have clarity from the AFL on what the season will look like, including games to be held in Tasmania,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Further, we agreed to defer any post-2021 contractual negotiations until towards the end of the year.

“I will not speculate further on what may be possible in the future until we have a clearer picture of the impact of the spread of the virus and the impacts on the AFL season.”

Reeves said discussions had been positive regarding the 2020 AFL season.

Premier Peter Gutwein kicking a football with Errol Stewart at UTAS Stadium in Launceston. Picture: PATRICK GEE
Premier Peter Gutwein kicking a football with Errol Stewart at UTAS Stadium in Launceston. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“Due to the current health climate and the many unknowns of the AFL season ahead we have agreed to defer all contract discussions to later in the year,” Reeves said.

“Hawthorn is proud of its partnership with Tasmania and the mutually beneficial relationship both parties have worked together to build over the past 20 years.”

Mr Gutwein also revealed in his coronavirus morning update that he had spoken to McLachlan about quarantine hubs and would have further discussions with the league boss.

An AFL spokesman said that McLachlan had spoken to all of the state premiers about hubs.

“The AFL continues to work through various ‘return to play’ scenarios across the country,” the spokesman said.

“We are working closely with the state governments, relevant medical authorities and the 18 clubs on finalising the medical and return to play protocols.

“An announcement is expected in the coming weeks.”

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/state-government-defers-hawthorn-contract-talks/news-story/210092bec7639b5995b958ab01e468ba