Tasmanian Government signs new five-year deal with Hawthorn

TASMANIA’S quest for its own AFL team remains on hold after the Government recommitted to a five-year $19 million deal with Hawthorn.

AFL Football, Hawthorn versus Port Adelaide at Aurora Stadium in Launceston Tasmania, fans at the football game

TASMANIA’S  quest for its own AFL team remains on hold until 2021 at least, after the State Government recommitted to a five-year $19 million deal with Hawthorn. Premier Will Hodgman announced the contract extension at the president’s dinner at the MCG before the Hawthorn-Richmond clash last night.

Under the deal, Hawthorn will continue to play four roster games and a pre-season game in Launceston until the end of 2021.

Despite committing to the new deal, the Government said a Tasmanian team ­remained its priority.

“While our ­ultimate goal is for Tasmania to have our own AFL team, given the position of the AFL, this is clearly not achievable for the foreseeable future, which means renewal of the Hawks’ deal is the best outcome available at this time,” Mr Hodgman said.

“For the longer term, we remain absolutely committed to seeing Tasmania take its rightful place in the AFL and we are working closely with the AFL on how this can be achieved.”

The extension is almost exactly the same as the existing contract, including the Hawks having “Tasmania” emblazoned across their jumpers.

But the financial bonuses for making the finals and winning the premiership have been scrapped.

“Importantly, the Tasmanian Government has negotiated the removal of finals and grand finals bonus payments, meaning a saving of up to $1 million on the current contact,” Mr Hodgman said.

Cyril Rioli flies high for the Hawks at Aurora Stadium earlier this year. Picture: Getty

“Already $750,000 in bonus payments have been made under the current contract, which climbs to more than $1 million if the Hawks win the Grand Final this year.

“The new deal has all the benefits of naming rights sponsor and includes an additional community or junior football initiative within Tasmania.”

Hawthorn first came to Tasmania in 2001 almost penniless.

But largely through its Tasmanian association, the Hawks are now an on-field and off-field powerhouse with record membership and profits.

Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold said the club was thrilled to recommit.

“We are very proud of our unique, long-term partnership with Tasmania and we are delighted that our presence in the state will continue for another five years,” he said.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor attacked the Government for funding football ahead of essential public services.

“After crying poor as an excuse to slash funding to public health and education, they are pouring almost 20 million taxpayer dollars into a wealthy football club,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Tasmania can and should be attracting AFL games without this massive corporate sponsorship at a time when public services are being hammered by the Liberals.”

Ms O’Connor also said the decision weakened the case for a stand-alone Tasmanian AFL team.

Opposition Leader Bryan Green welcomed the deal.

“We’re yet to see all the details but, on face value, Labor welcomes a new five-year deal with the Hawks,” Mr Green said.

“Hawthorn’s relationship with Tasmania has gone from strength to strength and it will be great to see them keep playing at Aurora Stadium.

“However, the Government must ensure the new deal is underpinned with solid fixtures and scheduling.”

It is believed the new deal does not include any promise about fixturing in Launceston.

North Melbourne’s three-game-a-year deal with Hobart expires next year but Mr Hodgman said negotiations for an extension would begin either at the end of this year or the start of next.

Kangaroos chief executive Carl Dilena said his club was also keen to commit to a five-year contract for three games a season in Hobart.

“This gives people certainty around the Hawks’ intentions for the next five years and clears the air for our discussions,” he said.