With Hawthorn and the state government entering negotiations over a new sponsorship deal, now is the time to back AFL in northern Tasmania.

Even if you do not barrack for the Hawks or the Bulldogs, a decent crowd at Sunday's game will show all parties that northern Tasmania loves its footy.

A large crowd will also send a message to the AFL to stop treating Tasmanians with disdain by rostering the same combination of non-Melbourne teams each year.

The pre-season success of Hawthorn versus Collingwood shows Tasmanians desire big-name matches at the venue.

We have certainly earned the right to host another Melbourne-based team such as Richmond, Essendon or Carlton.

Wishful thinking maybe, but if the community does not vote with its feet this year, the league will continue to dish up mid-level matches.

Not that having the reigning premier - and one of the best teams in the modern era - is a bad thing.

We are lucky to have had one of the great teams of recent times develop on our doorstep.

Three premierships and another grand final appearance has seen Tasmania glean good value on its investment.

Better yet, footy lovers have witnessed some of the best players in the league, such as Lance "Buddy" Franklin, Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge and Tasmanian-born Grant Birchall.

There are, of course, Tasmanians who believe the $15 million, five-year deal is a waste of money and could be better spent.

But people need to realise that not every dollar spent can and should go into health and education.

Sporting events play a large part of the community, and the Hawks have proven to be good supporters of Launceston and Tasmania.

The sponsorship deal has delivered benefits for greater Launceston in the typically quieter winter months. Each match day, hotels, restaurants, cafes and other businesses see the benefit of more people in the city.

The number of brown and gold jumpers and jackets is testament to the support base in Tasmania.

- MARK BAKER, editor