UPDATED 3.30PM
Hawthorn and the Tasmanian government have agreed to postpone negotiations for a new deal until the end of the year.
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The Hawks' five-deal with the state comes to an end in 2021, with this year's four games in Launceston in doubt due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Premier Peter Gutwein announced the postponement of contract negotiations in a statement on Thursday afternoon after speaking with Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett and chief executive Justin Reeves.
"We agreed that we would have further discussions regarding the current season and our associated contractual arrangements once we have clarity from the AFL on what the season will look like, including games to be held in Tasmania," Gutwein said.
"I will not speculate further on what may be possible in the future until we have a clearer picture of the impact of the spread of the virus and the impacts on the AFL season."
EARLIER
Premier Peter Gutwein will speak with Hawthorn and AFL boss Gillon McLachlan later today to discuss Tasmania's AFL involvement for 2020.
The Apple Isle had been scheduled to host eight AFL matches - four Hawthorn games in Launceston and four Kangaroos games in Hobart - before the outbreak of coronavirus.
These matches now appear very much in doubt, however, Tasmania could still host AFL this season.
While spectators are likely to be locked out of matches for some time, the AFL is hoping to resume its season in quarantine hubs in coming months.
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Gutwein confirmed he had been in discussion with the AFL's chief executive about the possibility of Tasmania becoming one such hub.
"Gil McLachlan and I had a very brief conversation [Wednesday] evening and I'll be speaking with Gil again later today on these matters and the AFL's view in terms of what their season looks like and what their fixtures look like," Gutwein said.
"In terms of these matters I want to see Tasmania come out of this in the best shape it can, but importantly my focus right now - and I think very properly - is on the health and safety of Tasmanians."
Tasmania pays about $8 million a season for its eight AFL fixtures as part of deals which have Hawthorn and North Melbourne contracted to the state until 2021.
The prospect of a Tasmanian team entering the AFL from as early as 2025 has added extra interest as to if and when those deals will be extended.
Asked whether the state government would request a refund for this season's fixtures, Gutwein indicated it was a strong possibility.
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"Interestingly enough I'll be having a chat with Hawthorn later today [Thursday] as well and obviously that is a matter that will be explored," he said.
"For obvious reasons the games can't be held here in the circumstances we're in, but we'll be exploring those matters and I'll be having more to say once we've been able to conclude those discussions and negotiations.
"I would make the point that Hawthorn have been a very good corporate citizen and they have supported Tasmania for a long period of time and we have benefited from that support.
"I think people understand where my view is and the government's view on terms of our own team and the steps that we might take to get to that point in the future, but at this point I'm focused on the people health response and keeping Tasmanians safe.
"In terms of the circumstance with Hawthorn, we will work through that and I'm certain in the same way that they've been a good corporate citizen throughout this period that we'll engage in good faith discussion about the current contract."