Hawks furious after AFL gives them the boot from Tasmania ahead of Devils debut

Hawthorn has lashed the AFL after being informed that it can no longer play home games in Tasmania, once the current deal expires at the end of 2027.

The timing coincides with the Tassie Devils' entry into the competition for 2028, where they will play out of both Hobart and Launceston until the Macquarie Point stadium is completed.

The Hawks however have invested in the state for a significant period of time, and feel they have been unceremoniously cast aside.

READ MORE: Gould casts major doubt over Daley's NSW selections

READ MORE: Guardiola poised to drop bombshell on Manchester City

READ MORE: Cricket Australia sends BBL season opener to India

Hawthorn has played home games in Tasmania for the entire 21st century, having done so every season since 2001.

They built a strong relationship with Launceston, with Tasmania even becoming one of the club's major sponsors.

After 25 years they have been given the boot, with the AFL forcing them to end that relationship.

On Tuesday, the club released a statement expressing their frustration.

"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 statement read.

"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."

AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said in a statement that it was "appropriate" for the Hawks to make way for the incoming Devils.

"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."

Similarly, North Melbourne, who hosted games out of Hobart in recent years, have also moved on.

The Roos played four home games out of Hobart across the 2020s, but that number dropped to just two in 2025 and now zero in 2026. The only game that will be played in Hobart this season is a match between Richmond and Brisbane in round 14.

Hawthorn still has three home games to come in Launceston this season, including this weekend against Adelaide.

They will host four games at UTAS Stadium in 2027 as well before the arrangement comes to an abrupt end, also forcing them to find a new major sponsor.

The Devils will need to utilise the stadiums in Hobart and Launceston until the Macquarie Point stadium is built in the early 2030s.

The $1b roofed stadium has been approved, but won't begin construction until at the earliest 2027.