Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox has warmly welcomed his club playing a Tasmanian derby against fellow state tenant North Melbourne next season.
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The August 13 showdown in Launceston is the standout fixture of Tasmania’s 2017 AFL roster which features three other Melbourne derbies, two visits by the premiership favourites Greater Western Sydney and new Brisbane coach Chris Fagan facing his former team in his home state.
Geelong, St Kilda and Melbourne have all been scheduled to cross Bass Strait but the Round 21 clash between the Hawks and Roos ensures that the teams play an equal number of games in the state.
It’s a fantastic fixture for our members and supporters
- Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox
“Our clash with North Melbourne is particularly exciting and gives Tasmanians the opportunity to witness a local derby type blockbuster,” Fox said.
A second consecutive visit by former tenant club St Kilda guarantees two genuine Melbourne derbies in Launceston for the second season running.
“It’s a fantastic fixture for our Tassie Hawks members and supporters, with an even spread of games,” Fox said.
St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis added: “As we were very pleased with the turnout at our match in Launceston this year, we’re excited to play in front of our Tassie fans in Round 6.”
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten was “thrilled” with the fixtures, especially Geelong’s first visit since 2007 in the NAB Challenge.
“It will be a significant drawcard for locals, intrastate and interstate visitors to watch what is likely to be a big showdown between the two teams with a history of rivalry and close encounters,” he said.
"It is also pleasing to see three Saturday afternoon matches on the fixture. We know from past matches that this timeslot draws high attendance figures, and the flow-on effect for businesses in Launceston is significant."
Tasmania will host AFL matches for three consecutive weeks from April 29 before a two-month drought of action.
TASMANIAN AFL FIXTURES:
- NAB Challenge: Friday, February 17 - Hawks v Geelong, UTAS Stadium
- R3: Saturday, April 8, 1.45pm North Melbourne v GWS, Blundstone Arena
- R6: Saturday, April 29, 1.45pm - Hawthorn v St Kilda, UTAS Stadium
- R7: Saturday, May 6, 1.45pm - North Melbourne v Adelaide, Blundstone Arena
- R8: Saturday, May 13, 1.45pm - Hawthorn v Brisbane, UTAS Stadium
- R16: Saturday, July 8, 1.45pm - Hawthorn v GWS, UTAS Stadium
- R19: Saturday, July 29, 1.45pm - North Melbourne v Melbourne, Blundstone Arena
- R21: Sunday, August 13, 3.20pm - Hawthorn v North Melbourne, UTAS Stadium