It’s hard to imagine a game between the 13th and 16th teams on the ladder would cause much excitement at this stage of the AFL season, but Sunday’s clash between Hawthorn and North Melbourne is anything but a formality.
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Not only is it the last game to be played in Tasmania for 2017, but it will mark the final outing in the state for three-time premiership captain Luke Hodge.
The Hawthorn legend has played 45 games in Launceston, 34 of which he has been victorious.
As of Friday afternoon, there were only about 300 seats available for Hodge’s Tasmanian farewell, which will be played from 3.20pm.
The Hawks star may have to deal with some rain on his parade, with a possible shower forecast for the occasion.
It follows a severe weather warning for parts of the North on Friday, where winds reached speeds of nearly 30 kilometres per hour.
Sunday will not just be about supporting the teams out on the field, with spectators also able to contribute to an important cause as they enter the venue.
A donation team collecting for The Examiner’s Winter Relief Appeal will be stationed at Gate 7, near the architecture school.
More than $40,000 has been raised by the appeal so far, which will go on to assist the Salvation Army, Benevolent Society, City Mission and St Vincent de Paul.
Gates for Hawthorn’s clash with North Melbourne open at 1.15pm and the game will kick off at 3.20pm at the University of Tasmania Stadium.
Luke Hodge fans will find something special in Sunday’s Examiner, with a free poster of the Hawthorn captain to be included as part of the paper.