North Melbourne shifts gears as half of its Hobart games head to Western Australia

The Kangaroos have slashed their four-game commitment to Tassie in half as two of their Hobart AFL games hop away to the West. Here’s what will happen in 2025.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - AUG 10: Nick Larkey of the Kangaroos in action during the 2024 AFL Round 22 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the West Coast Eagles at Blundstone Arena on August 10, 2024 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

North Melbourne’s four-game commitment to Tasmania will be slashed in half next year as the Kangaroos take two of their Hobart “home” games to Western Australia.

With the AFL only two weeks away from releasing its 2025 fixture, the Kangaroos and their Tasmanian sponsor TT-Line are yet to sign a new deal to secure any games in the state’s south.

The Kangaroos have played AFL games in Hobart since 2012, but their four-game deal is dead and the most Tasmanian football fans can expect is a new deal for two.

North’s fellow-Tasmanian tenant Hawthorn already has a contract in place with the state government to continue playing four games a year in Launceston in 2025.

It is believed that going to WA, North Melbourne is future-proofing against the inevitability that it will no longer play games in Tasmania backed by the state government or one of its government businesses when the Tasmania Devils join the AFL in 2028.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Luke McDonald of the Kangaroos is tackled by Tyrell Dewar of the Eagles during the round 22 AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and West Coast Eagles at Blundstone Arena, on August 10, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“When Tasmania was awarded an AFL licence, the North Melbourne Football Club advised Spirit of Tasmania that it would need to explore other options to take North Melbourne games into other markets,” said a TT-Line spokesperson.

“The club has been completely transparent with us.

“We have been involved in ongoing discussions with the club about this and these discussions are ongoing.”

The loss of two games leaves a hole in Tasmania’s tourism economy.

Opposition Leader Dean Winter hopes the remaining two games can be North Melbourne against powerhouse Victorian clubs like Richmond.

“It is really important we get the right games of football here in Hobart,” he said.

“We have seen too many games against Fremantle or Port Adelaide, and we actually need to get some big teams if we are going to support Tasmania’s winter economy.

“The best thing I’ve seen in terms of southern football was North Melbourne playing Richmond Tigers on a Friday night.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - AUG 10: Alastair Clarkson, Senior Coach of the Kangaroos addresses his players during the 2024 AFL Round 22 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the West Coast Eagles at Blundstone Arena on August 10, 2024 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“The whole of Hobart came alive. It was incredible.

“The focus should be on getting the right teams that are going to bring a big crowd and set Hobart alight _ that’s what everybody would like to see.”

The government says it is at “arm’s length” on the North Melbourne deal, which is between the Kangaroos and TT-Line.

Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan said: “We know how much Tasmanians love sport, just look at the success of the JackJumpers.

“We have had a positive partnership with North Melbourne for a number of years. Importantly, we will continue to invest in attracting events to Tasmania, including high level sport.

“We have secured the 19th AFL licence for our own team and look forward to seeing our team, in our colours, signing our song in 2028.”

Jane Howlett, Minister for Small Business and Hospitality, said AFL games were crucial to the state.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 13: Team mascot takes the field with the players during the round seven AFLW match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Sydney Swans at North Hobart Oval, on October 13, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

“We’ve had an excellent relationship with North Melbourne and will continue to do so,” said Jane Howlett, Minister for Small Business and Hospitality.

“What Tasmanians are really excited about is us securing the 19th licence, getting on with the job, getting our team here, getting our stadium built, that’s what we are focused on.”

Asked how two less games would impact the economy, Ms Howlett said: “We will absolutely look into that.

“We have a great working relationship with North Melbourne, always have done, and we are looking forward to getting on with the job and getting this 19th licence, getting the stadium built and I’d say [it’s] inspirational for our children to watch footy, play sport, get involved and be outdoors.”