UTAS Stadium will hosts the Hawks for two more years. Photo: UTAS Stadium/Twitter (X)
The Tasmanian Government has signed a $9.1m two-year deal with AFL club Hawthorn to play eight home games in the island state.
Sports Minister Nick Duigan says the deal for 2026 and 2027 continues a 24-year partnership with the Hawks.
“With the return on our investment pegged at around 5:1, this new agreement will generate about $46m for our economy on top of the enjoyment it brings local footy fans,” he claims.
He says the new deal involves four men’s games at UTAS Stadium a season and grassroots activities after more than 12,300 attended each game played at the stadium this season.
He also views the deal is about ensuring grassroots development as the state prepares for the entry of its Tasmania Devils team into the AFL competition.
Launceston City Mayor Matthew Garwood says that the new deal is great news.
CLUB REACTION
Hawks President Andy Gowers says Launceston has long been a happy hunting ground for the club.
“We’re thrilled about hosting games there until the end of 2027,” he says.
“With the Tasmanian Devils due to make their debut in the competition in 2028, this extension is the perfect fit for the footy-loving public in Launceston.”
Hawks CEO Ash Klein says the club can’t wait for its next game in Tasmania.
“Since playing our first game in Tasmania almost 25 years ago, Hawthorn is proud to be bringing AFL games to the state while positively impacting locals through meaningful community programs,” Klein says.
“… our team absolutely loves playing in Launceston, winning almost eight out of every 10 games we play there,” he points out.
Hawks coach Sam Mitchell believes the team now has a competitive advantage at Launceston.
“On-field as the current head coach and I would say over my playing time, we probably averaged an extra win per season because of the four games,” he says.
“We love going there, we love spending time there, but we also love winning there and we seem to have been able to do that on a pretty consistent basis.”
