The contest between Hawthorn and Richmond to be the centrepiece of a weekend of support for the North-West Coast community.

A fundraising dinner, called Healing for Hillcrest: Supporting the Hillcrest Primary School Community will be held at Devonport's paranaple Arts Centre following the 1.10pm match on Saturday, March 5.

The dinner is set to feature club presidents, CEOs, footballers, and special guests, including prominent Tasmanians.

The AFL confirmed on Monday that all funds raised from the tribute match and activity surrounding the game would go directly to the Hillcrest Community Public Fund.

Before that function, Tasmanian band Luca Brasi will feature post-match at the Devonport Oval, with interviews with Hawthorn and Richmond players and other special guests to also feature.

On the Friday before the match, AFL players from Hawthorn, Richmond and North Melbourne will run football clinics and engage with the local community.

"On behalf of the AFL, our thoughts are to those impacted by the terrible accident, including the families, first responders, the school community, and the close-knit North-West community of Tasmania," AFL chief executive officer Gillon McLachlan said.

"Together with the Hawthorn, Richmond and North Melbourne football clubs, we continue to work closely with the Devonport Council and the Tasmanian Government to best support the local community.

"A fundraiser and a game of football cannot change what has happened, but it is one way for our game to wrap our arms around the North-West community and show our support."

Off-field leaders at the Hawks, Tigers and Kangaroos have again pledged their support to the North-West Coast community.

"The events that occurred in Devonport last December were truly heartbreaking,'' Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said.

"The club is honoured to play a role in helping re-build this community, and we hope this game provides the Tasmanian people with some light and joy after what has been a challenging time for the state.

"Hawthorn has a long-standing connection to Tasmania, and we will continue to assist and offer our support to its community in any capacity possible."

Richmond chief executive and North-West Coast product Brendon Gale added: "We were all deeply saddened by the tragic events at Hillcrest Primary School.

"As a club with deep connections to Tasmania, we look forward to playing in a game that we hope can in some small way support the local Devonport community."

North Melbourne chief executive Ben Amarfio said the Hillcrest Primary School community had remained in the club's thoughts.

"We've had a decade-long relationship with Tasmania,'' he said.

"Some of our senior staff and 12 players across our men's and women's teams are from Tassie, so it's an extra special place for us.

"We are honoured to be involved in this initiative. While we can't heal the pain, we hope to offer some support, a little respite and hopefully put some smiles on the faces of those affected."

Local and state government welcomed the confirmation of the match.

Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff said the Devonport City Council was appreciative of the efforts by all involved in creating what she said would be a special event.

"So much generosity has come from all corners of the globe over the past two months and this AFL match is another opportunity for that support to continue to help our community heal," Cr Rockliff said.

"The council has been working with organisers to ensure Devonport Oval is match-ready as the city welcomes the return of AFL.

"We've been told the ground is perfect for AFL playing requirements and it's exciting for Devonport to host these two AFL powerhouse clubs.

"I'm sure this game will generate a great deal of interest and excitement as both teams have very passionate supporters in Tasmania and strong connections to the North-West region."

Premier Peter Gutwein echoed those thoughts.

"Footy is a game that brings communities together and I commend the clubs and the AFL for this initiative which will help with the community recovery process from the heartbreaking Hillcrest tragedy late last year,'' he said.

The match will also present an opportunity for several Tasmanians to play in their home state.

Hawthorn has Jackson Callow on its list, while Richmond has a quartet of Tasmanian Tigers in newly-appointed co-captain Toby Nankervis, Jack Riewoldt, Sam Banks and Rhyan Mansell.

It will be part of the AFL's AAMI Community Series of practice matches.

Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday via Ticketmaster at 10am for club and AFL members and noon for the general public.

They will cost $20 adult, $15 concession with kids under 15 free, with club members having access.

For supporters wishing to contribute to the Hillcrest Community Public Fund, the AFL, together with the Hawthorn, Richmond and North Melbourne football clubs, will communicate further details closer to the match.

WHAT: Hawthorn v Richmond

WHERE: Devonport Oval.

WHEN: Saturday, March 5.

Tickets: Ticketmaster

WHAT: Healing for Hillcrest Fundraising Dinner.

WHERE: paranaple Convention Centre.

WHEN: Saturday, March 5, from 6pm to 10.30pm.

HOW MUCH: Tickets : from $250 per ticket.

MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/HealHillcrest

Contact : Jeremy Jackson, 0400 934 091, jeremyj@hawthornfc.com.au