Jeff Kennett says Hawthorn want to play all four AFL games in Tasmania once the coronavirus crisis passes

How many AFL games will be played in Tasmania this year? Hawks president Jeff Kennett has his say.

Jack Gunston of the Hawks and Patrick Cripps of the Blues compete for the ball during the 2019 AFL round 06 match in Launceston. Picture: MICHAEL WILLSON/AFL PHOTOS

HAWTHORN is determined to maintain its unbroken 19-year run in Tasmania by playing four “home” games in the state when and if the 2020 AFL season gets under way, says Hawks boss Jeff Kennett.

The Hawks made their Tasmanian debut in 2001 when they played the Adelaide Crows in Launceston, and have won 49 of their 64 games here for a winning rate of 76 per cent.

Having already played a Marsh Series pre-season match against Melbourne at UTAS Stadium this year, Kennett says Hawthorn was not about to break its Tasmanian connection but it was dependent on the nation’s status with the coronavirus as the year unfolds.

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“We don’t even know if there are going to be any games played at all. Period,” Kennett said.

“But if games are played this year, we would want to play our four games in Tassie, without any doubt whatsoever.”

Hawthorn was scheduled to play West Coast Eagles on Anzac Day, followed by Port Adelaide on May 23, a Tasmanian derby against Hobart AFL tenant North Melbourne on July 11 _ the eighth time they would have played the Kangaroos in Tasmania since 2006 _ and the Crows on August 8.

North Melbourne was scheduled to play Fremantle (April 19), Brisbane (June 13), Gold Coast (July 25) and Melbourne in round 23.

Tasmania’s tough coronavirus lockdown controls must to be lifted before any interstate sports teams can play here.

“If Tasmania still has their 14-day isolation, it would be impractical to play there,” Kennett said.

“We’ll just have to wait and see.

“It is much too early to come to any conclusion as to what may and may not happen.”

Hawthorn had 81,211 members last year, and the club is keeping everyone connected.

“We write to our Tassie fans directly each week _ we write to each and every one of our fans,” Kennett said.

“I reckon we’ve written to them five times in the past four weeks, so we are keeping everyone up to date.”