Hawks Secure 25-Year Deal for Competitive Edge Ahead of New AFL Era

Day eyeing more forward time in 2025 | 00:50

Hawthorn have signed a new two-year deal with the Tasmanian Government that will see them extend their partnership in the Apple Isle until at least the end of 2027.

Watch every match of the 2025 AAMI Community Series Live & ad-break free during play, exclusive to FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

The extension of the partnership between the two parties means that the Hawks will continue to play four home matches a season at UTAS Stadium in Launceston.

Speaking via a club statement released on Monday afternoon, head coach Sam Mitchell spoke glowingly of the decision to maintain a second home ground of sorts, where his side holds a strong win-loss record.

“We’ve played four games there per year for such a long time and I think we have such a competitive advantage there,” Mitchell said.

“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.

“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. I’m really proud of the club and the Tassie Government for continuing the partnership in a changing world.”

First playing at the ground in 2001, Hawthorn have won 74.4% of matches in Launceston, including seven of their last eight games.

Their continued presence in the town will also allow the club to continue their off-field work with the Tasmanian community in areas such as mental health, literacy, food education, physical education, and road/safety education.

Coupled with an investment in junior football, curriculum-aligned school programs and efforts to make the club’s match days accessible to all, Hawthorn has prided itself on its immense footprint in the Tasmanian community.

“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,” Hawthorn CEO Ash Klein added.

“There are obviously many economic benefits that the matches bring to the local community but what is clear is that our team absolutely loves playing in Launceston, winning almost eight out of every 10 games we play there.”

The state’s inaugural AFL side in the Tasmania Devils is set to join the AFL in 2028.