For nearly a decade Hawthorn has shared Tasmania's 68,000-odd square kilometres with North Melbourne - now things are about to get much squishier.
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The Hawks and Roos will share a same-day return flight on Saturday as they chase much-needed wins in a 2.10pm cellar-dweller clash at UTAS Stadium.
The decision, which was based on risk reduction rather than requirement, means neither side will have the usual training run the day before the game.
Hawthorn midfielder Tom Mitchell said the streamlined itinerary wouldn't significantly impact either side's preparation.
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"It'll be something new for us, but I think you still need to prepare for the game as normal, mentally you can still do that," the 2018 Brownlow Medallist said.
"It's only an hour flight to Tassie so it shouldn't impact too much.
"Last year we shared a plane with Collingwood to Sydney - I'm not sure if we played them that night though, so this will be unique in the fact we're sharing a plane with the team we're playing against, but everyone's professional.
"We want to go down to Tassie and put on a good game for the fans so hopefully both teams can do that."
The return to Launceston comes at an ideal time for the Hawks, who have been outplayed in their two matches since the thrilling three-point win over Adelaide at UTAS.
Heading into the game in 17th spot, the Hawks have a target on their backs given 18th-placed North Melbourne has lost its past 16 games and 22 of its past 23.
"We don't shy away from the fact that they really want to get a win on the board," Mitchell said.
"But we're no different, we want to win too - both teams will be pretty desperate I think Saturday.
"We know that their best is really capable so we need to show them a lot of respect."
Both Hawthorn and North Melbourne are in the dying stages of $20 million, five-year contracts with Tasmania.
The state government has vowed not to continue negotiations regarding new deals until the AFL's review into the Tasmanian AFL taskforce's business report is complete in "mid-2021".
The Hawks have played 65 games in the state since 2001, recording 50 wins, 14 losses and a draw, and are understandably keen to strike a new deal before the end of the year.
Mitchell said the players were unified in wanting to stay in the state post-2021.
"It's completely out of the players' hands, we don't make those decisions so it's up to the higher powers but as a playing group we love playing in Tassie so we hope it stays that way," he said.
"We've built a relationship with Launceston and Tasmania for a long time now so we'd love to maintain that.
"We enjoy getting down there as a team, it's good to get out of Melbourne and go somewhere we enjoy and try and play good footy down there."
The Hawks will be hoping to regain veteran pair Shaun Burgoyne (ankle) and Jack Gunston (back) for Saturday's clash after the latter was a late out against West Coast.
Gun North Melbourne recruit Jaidyn Stephenson is set to miss six weeks after breaking his wrist.
FAST FACTS
- What: AFL round 9
- Who: Hawthorn v North Melbourne
- Where: UTAS Stadium
- When: Saturday, 2.10pm
- Tickets: Available at ticketmaster.com.au