Tasmania signs new deal with Hawks

The Tasmanian government has extended its sponsorship of the Hawthorn AFL side, signing a $19 million deal with the club.

Admitting the island state's "ultimate goal" is to have its own AFL side, Premier Will Hodgman says the new agreement - which will see the boys in brown and gold play five games per season in Launceston over the next five years - is the best outcome in the short term.

Tasmania became the Hawks' naming rights sponsor in 2006 and the club has won three premierships since then.