Hawthorn will be forced out of Tasmania from 2028, with the AFL confirming the club’s long-running arrangement to play home games in Launceston will end when the Tasmania Devils enter the competition.
The AFL Executive, backed by the AFL Commission, said the shift would take effect from the 2028 season, giving the new Tasmanian team clear ownership of football in the state.
Hawthorn will still play home matches in Launceston during the 2027 season but won’t return after that.
The club isn’t happy about it.
“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 club said in a statement.
Hawthorn said it had “put forward a strong argument that it should continue to play games in Launceston into the future” but was overruled.
The club pointed to 25 years of investment in the state, saying its presence had delivered “an undeniable benefit to the Launceston and Tasmanian economy, strong attendance at AFL games and a loyal following of Tasmanian members.”
Hawthorn warned the decision would have “a material impact on the club, both on and off the field.”
The club said it would now look to bring those games back to Melbourne while celebrating its Tasmanian connection over the next 18 months.
Hawthorn thanked its Tasmanian members and the northern Tasmanian business community for their support over the past 25 years.
The Devils acknowledged the decision, thanking Hawthorn “for their contribution to Tasmania over many years.
The incoming club said it remained “committed to working alongside the Tasmanian community and fans on and off the island to maximise the impact of the Devils across the state” as it builds towards its 2028 debut.
AFL Chief Operating Officer Tom Harley framed the move as a natural next step for football in Tasmania.
“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,” Harley said.
“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.”
