Hawthorn plays final Launceston season in 2027 as Tasmania Devils debut
Hawthorn will play one final season in Launceston in 2027 before the Tasmania Devils enter the AFL in 2028.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Launceston to inspect stadium upgrades and comment on the club's 26-year tenure in Tasmania. Asked if the decision reached his desk, Albanese deferred to the AFL and Tasmanian government, saying he personally enjoyed watching Hawthorn play in the state.
The Hawks' departure clears the way for the Tasmania Devils, whom Albanese has long supported as a pathway to get young Tasmanians off screens and into sport. Anthony Albanese expressed confidence the Devils would deliver for the state, though he noted he would cheer against them when they faced his beloved Hawthorn.
The Tasmanian government has also secured federal funding of $250 million toward the Macquarie Point Stadium project, while talks around the struggling Bell Bay Aluminium smelter remain ongoing.
- 26 years
- Hawks tenure in Tasmania
- 1500
- New seats added
- $250 million
- Federal funding for stadium
- 2028
- Devils debut year
Why it mattersTasmania finally gains its long-awaited AFL team, but only after losing one that has been part of the northern community for over two decades.
AustraliaTasmanian AFL fans must bid goodbye to Hawthorn after 26 years in Launceston, with the Devils arriving in 2028 to reset the state's footy culture.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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