Outspoken Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett not impressed with Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein

In a war of words, Jeff Kennett has labelled comments about AFL games without crowds unfolding in Tasmania being pointless as “selfish and shortsighted”.

Hawks President Jeff Kennett is determined to play AFL matches in Tasmania — with or without crowds. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

HAWTHORN president Jeff Kennett has declared the club will forge ahead to fulfil its commitment to Tasmania, despite premier Peter Gutwein casting doubt on hosting matches in empty stadiums.

Speaking on SEN radio yesterday, Kennett took a swipe at Gutwein’s comments on Wednesday, when he said he was in “no rush” to see AFL action unfold in locked venues.

Tourism Industry Council chief Luke Martin and Lauderdale president Julie Kay also questioned the worth of a fly in, fly out model involving Tasmania if locals can’t attend matches.

However Kennett branded such views as “shortsighted” and “selfish” and was adamant the Hawks, who have a 20-year association with Launceston, are still determined to play at UTAS Stadium in 2020.

Neville Jetta of the Demons tackle Luke Breust of the Hawks during the AFL Marsh Community Series pre-season match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Melbourne Demons at UTAS Stadium in Launceston, Friday, March 6, 2020. (AAP Image/Michael Dodge)

“I don’t think it matters where you live, what state. The return of AFL football will be a morale booster for all people who are interested in the AFL, in which there are millions,” Kennett said.

“Therefore I think we owe it as a code, and I think the premiers owe it to their community to do things that help lift morale when the economy is going to be so tight.

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“Once we can start playing our sport again, many Australians will sigh a sigh of relief because they’ll believe we’re on the right track and starting the rebuilding program.

“That is why we want to play in Tasmania because Tasmanians are Australians, they’re entitled to that morale boost.

“I’m seeing in the papers some people down there saying ‘if you can’t have crowds there’s no point playing,” Kennett said on SEN.

“I’ve got to say that’s very shortsighted and very selfish, but if they don’t want football down there, that’s fine, but Hawthorn do want to play there.

“We have a high membership, we contribute a great deal to the state, we’ve been there 20 years now.

“We’ve argued with the AFL that we want to play games there this season.”