Hawks vow to stay here

HAWTHORN has vowed to not walk away from Tasmania, despite Gillon McLachlan’s proposal for one team in the state. Hawthorn boss Justin Reeves said “the last thing [Tasmanians] want is for us to go”.

HAWTHORN has declared it will not walk away from its 18year investment in Tasmania, despite Gillon McLachlan’s desire for one team in the state.

Hawks chief executive Justin Reeves told key football figures in Launceston this week that the club was in no mood to give up years of hard work.

AFL chief executive Mr McLachlan last week asked club chief executives whether the state deserved its own team.

It’s understood that league executives Ray Gunston and Darren Birch quickly made clear to the room the AFL could not afford to sustain another team in Tasmania.

The AFL has no plans for a 19th team and has backed in Gold Coast, despite speculation of a future relocation.

Mr Reeves said the relationship with the state, which delivers Hawthorn $19 million in a five-year deal, was more than financial.

“We believe the current model works well,” Mr Reeves said. “There are big differences between the North and South of Tasmania. We have been there 18 years and have made a huge impact to the North.

“Until that changes, we will continue to invest in the state.

“I was down in Launceston this week and everyone is super positive. They said the last thing they want is for us to go.”

Hawks president Jeff Kennett has accused Mr McLachlan of toying with the emotions of the state’s football lovers, saying he should “put up or shut up” over financially backing a Tasmanian team.

North Melbourne and Hawthorn have deals with the Tasmanian Government to play four games in the state until 2021.

Economic impact statements show the investment is returned many times over.

The Tasmanian Government has formed a Football Tasmania Board to grow participation across the state and attempt to gain an AFL licence.

But securing a relocated AFL team like the Gold Coast would be more financially viable than starting up a 19th AFL team that would cost the league more than $25 million extra a season.

An AFL steering committee, led by Mr McLachlan, this year agreed to put $1.4 million of extra funding into the state next year and introduce a Tasmanian boys team into the TAC Cup in 2019. A Tasmanian team will also be introduced into the VFL in 2021.