HAWKS, ROOS IN TASSIE PRE-SEASON CLASH

TASMANIA’S AFL co-tenants will fight for early season state bragging rights in Launceston following a revamp of the AAMI Community Series which will be headlined by a bumper Richmond-Collingwood clash.

Hawthorn, initially scheduled to host Port Adelaide on March 6, will now face North Melbourne at UTas Stadium on the same date.

The Roos were slated to play Adelaide at North Hobart Oval on February 28, but that match has been scrapped after the league was forced to reduce interstate travel due to ongoing border restrictions.

North’s two AFLW fixtures in Hobart remain in doubt, although the club is hopeful they will still proceed.

The reigning premier Tigers will take on Nathan Buckley’s Magpies at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, March 5, in one of three games in five days at the indoor venue.

The contest could see Jordan De Goey trial in a more permanent onball role against the Tigers’ triple-premiership superstar Dustin Martin.

Teams will now play only one formal pre-season match and one informal scratch match before round one.

Carlton and St Kilda will open the Community Series on Thursday, March 4, at Marvel Stadium, helping kickstart a huge year for the Blues after seven seasons out of the eight.

Geelong hosts Essendon at GMHBA Stadium to help promote the round 16 Country Game at the Cattery and Adam Treloar will step out in Western Bulldogs colours when they meet Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Monday, March 8, from 3.10pm.

Fremantle hosts Adelaide, and West Coast takes on Port Adelaide. Sydney plays Gold Coast and GWS Giants will come up against the Brisbane Lions.

Clubs and broadcasting boss Travis Auld said it was unfortunate the AFL could no longer take the game out to various regional centres — “the heartbeat of Australian football” — which were previously scheduled to host some pre-season games.