Hawks extend Tassie partnership, subject to one major hurdle

Hawthorn has extended its agreement to play games in Launceston, but it’s subject to one major hurdle.

Hawthorn president Andy Gowers, Tasmania premier Jeremy Rockliff and Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves at UTAS Stadium on Tuesday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

HAWTHORN has reaffirmed its commitment to helping Tasmania’s AFL licence bid get off the ground, after the club extended its agreement to play matches in Launceston until the end of 2025.

But while the deal with the state government has been extended a further two years, it is subject to Tasmania successfully securing AFL and AFLW licences.

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves and president Andy Gowers were at UTAS Stadium for the announcement on Tuesday.

Both Hawks powerbrokers made it clear they hope Tasmania’s bid is successful, but they can also co-exist in the state in the future.

The state government has set a deadline of May to make a call on the license and if successful, Hawthorn doesn’t plan to end a partnership with Tasmania which began in 2001.

“I would expect so, absolutely (we would continue to play games in Tasmania after 2025),” Gowers said.

“We support Tasmania’s push for its own team, and what that means for Hawthorn will play itself out.

“We very much welcome Tassie having its own side and Hawthorn continuing to have a presence in Tasmania, particularly northern Tasmania.”

Tasmania premier Jeremy Rockliff also announced on Tuesday $65 million of upgrades for UTAS Stadium.

The first stage of an intended three stage plan includes increasing the eastern stand’s capacity by 1000 seats and a new entertainment precinct.

Reeves believes Hawthorn extending its partnership with Tasmania will help its license bid.

“I think it actually strengthens Tasmania’s argument for a team in the future,” he said.

“We would like to play a role in whatever that looks like, to support Tasmania in pursuit of their own team.

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: Jai Newcombe of the Hawks runs the ball during the round 23 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Western Bulldogs at University of Tasmania Stadium on August 21, 2022 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“We think its’ an incredibly exciting thing to look forward to for all of Tasmania. If we can play a role between now and then, that’s what we’ll focus on and also serve our supporters down here.

“We think there is lifelong Hawthorn members and supporters here we need to play a role for, but in the best interests of Tasmania moving forward.

State sports minister Nic Street said a successful license bid would give them time to further discuss with Hawthorn the details of their future partnership.

“Every opportunity when I’ve met with the Hawthorn football club, I’ve made it clear Tasmania’s push for its own AFL and AFLW sides was never meant to denigrate the relationship Tasmania has developed with Hawthorn,” he said.

“It’s been a mutually beneficial relationship, we simply think it’s time for Tasmania to have their own AFL and AFLW teams.

“In addition to the 12 month certainly for 2023, contingent on the AFL doing the right thing and giving us the license we deserve, we’ll have another two years of content in Launceston with the Hawthorn Football Club.

“(That will be) an opportunity over those two years to discuss what the relationship looks forward when Tasmania has its own team as well.”

Hawthorn’s four games at UTAS Stadium this season are against North Melbourne (April 1), Adelaide (April 23), West Coast (May 21), Western Bulldogs (round 22).

Hawthorn is expected to announce soon they will host Collingwood in their Launceston pre-season fixture in early March.