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PREMIER Will Hodgman has given his strongest indication so far of his government’s wish to extend its sponsorship arrangement with Hawthorn, with talks between the two parties set to take place next week.
Speaking at the Hawks’ public premiership celebrations in Launceston yesterday, Mr Hodgman declared his government was ‘‘determined to ensure this important relationship continues’’.
The arrangement, which is worth $15 million over five years, expires at the end of the 2016 AFL season.
The Hawks play four home games at Aurora Stadium as part of the deal, a ground where it went 4-0 this year and has won its past 11 matches.
A total of 55,299 saw the Hawks defeat Brisbane, West Coast, Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs at the venue this season.
‘‘This is important partnership in its 14th year is so much more than a commercial arrangement,’’ Mr Hodgman said.
‘‘It is true it generates about $8 million in terms of the exposure the state gets, it is magnificent for our economy.
‘‘It is a great catalyst for economic activity, and Launceston booms when the Hawks are in town, but is important for the whole state that we recognise Hawthorn’s efforts in being active in our schools and charities across the state.’’
Mr Hodgman’s comments came after Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold spoke of his club’s desire to stay in Tasmania.
He said the support from the state, including more than 8700 Tasmanian-based members, had played a huge role in its success, which culminated in premiership number 12 on Saturday.
‘‘We’ve got two years to go [on the deal], and mayIsay we love coming down here and we hope to for as long as we can,’’ he said.
‘‘I hope the Tasmanian people are happy with our arrangement and we’ll start discussing it the government sometime next week.
‘‘The support we get when we come down here, and I know the boys loving coming down, is a wonderful thing for us.’’
The club will receive a $150,000 bonus from the government for winning the season finale against Sydney, on top of the $150,000 bonus for qualifying for the big dance.
