Hawthorn recently renewed a two-year contract to play four home games per season at Launceston's UTAS Stadium (York Park), which this year is undergoing a $130 million redevelopment with a new grandstand to better meet AFL Tier 2 venue standards.
AFL executives this week decided to end the partnership from 2028 onwards in order to give the Tasmania Devils a monopoly over the state, with North Melbourne having ended their deal to play in Hobart at the end of 2025 to instead sell two home games to Western Australia.
“Hawthorn and Tasmania have shared a long and successful partnership over many years, one that has delivered significant benefits for the state, the club, the AFL and, most importantly, Hawthorn fans across Tasmania, particularly in Launceston,” AFL COO Tom Harley said on Tuesday morning.
“The AFL acknowledges and thanks the Hawthorn Football Club for its outstanding contribution to footy in Tasmania, and for the role it has played in growing the game and building connection with the Tasmanian and Launceston communities.
“With the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL competition in 2028, it is appropriate that the Devils become the primary focus for football in the state, giving Tasmanians their own team to support on the national stage.”
Hawthorn revealed on Tuesday morning that they were not willing to end the agreement, having spent 25 years in Tasmania building an important interstate membership base.
The club made their Launceston debut in 2001 and have played a total of 87 home games in Launceston with a Round 21 game against North Melbourne later this year to be the 100th.
"Hawthorn Football Club is extremely disappointed in the AFL’s decision to force an end to our relationship with Launceston and Northern Tasmania post 2027," the Hawks stated.
"The Club put forward a strong argument that it should continue to play games in Launceston into the future.
"Over the past 25 years, Hawthorn has made a significant contribution to the strong foundations of AFL football in Tasmania, with an undeniable benefit to the Launceston and Tasmanian economy, strong attendance at AFL games and a loyal following of Tasmanian members.
"Our removal will have a material impact on the Club, both on and off the field.
"We are extremely grateful to our Tasmanian members and the business community of Northern Tasmania, who have been incredible over the last 25 years, and have actively voiced its support to keep Hawthorn in Tasmania.
"While the Club’s focus to this point has been on continuing its presence in Tasmania, the aim will now be to return these games to Melbourne, whilst celebrating the incredible relationship we share with our Tasmanian members and fans across the next 18 months."