Hawthorn and North Melbourne still a chance to play, but Premier issues stern warning

Premier Peter Gutwein says there’s still a chance the Hawks and Roos could play in Tasmania this season, but he has issued a stern warning if they don’t make it down south. DETAILS >>

PREMIER Peter Gutwein says AFL clubs Hawthorn and North Melbourne may yet play in Tasmania this year, but warned them no games, no money.

The AFL has confirmed only the first four rounds of the coronavirus-interrupted season so far, leaving the door ajar for games to be played in Tasmania should social restrictions allow.

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Appearances by Hawthorn and North — the Kangas would have to play at UTAS Stadium because goalposts cannot be installed at Blundstone Arena this season — must come before late September when the finals kick in.

Majak Daw and Ben Brown battle for position at training. Picture: MICHAEL KLEIN

Neither team will get its full share of the combined $8 million in State Government backing to play eight home-and-away games in the state each season — the Hawks four in Launceston and the Kangaroos four in Hobart.

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Mr Gutwein said games on Tasmanian soil would depend on “a number of matters”.

“The AFL has put out a four-week roster and they will review the situation once they start playing,” he said.

“They will look at what’s occurring around the country in terms of the [pandemic] travel restrictions.

“We will review our travel restrictions in early July.

“At this stage it’s too early to provide an unequivocal answer.”

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

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As for Tasmanian taxpayers’ money, Mr Gutwein said payments to Hawthorn and North Melbourne could come under close scrutiny if there were no games here.

“Absolutely,” he said.

“Under the contracts, in both cases, a component of the funding that the Government provides is reliant on games being played in the state,” Mr Gutwein said.

“As I have said, I personally have no interest in playing football in front of empty stadiums.

“The key aim, in terms of looking at the arrangements that we have with the Hawks and North Melbourne, is about generating economic activity that provides a benefit to the broader community. Without fans at the grounds, that doesn’t occur, so we will work through this sensibly and responsibly.”