Tassie match looms for Pies

Hawks clash touted

HAWTHORN hopes planned upgrades to UTAS Stadium will help them lure more bigdrawing clubs to the ground after club powerbrokers virtually confirmed Collingwood will be their pre-season rivals in Launceston.

Magpies star Steele Sidebottom (pictured) let slip on Melbourne radio last week the team was set to play their trial match this year in Tasmania.

Hawks CEO Justin Reeves and president

Andy Gowers were at UTAS Stadium on Tuesday to announced the club had extended its agreement with the state government to play games at the ground until the end of 2025.

A $65 million upgrade, the first of three planned for the venue, was also announced by the state government.

It is highlighted by increasing the capacity in the eastern stand by 1000 seats and a new entertainment precinct.

“We’re awaiting confirmation (on the Collingwood game in Launceston) but it looks like that’s the case. We hope it will be announced in the next day or so,” Reeves said. “To bring a club like Collingwood versus Hawthorn, two of the big Melbourne clubs on our home away from home will be great for the Tasmanian people and we’re excited.”

Hawthorn’s four regular season games in Launceston this season are against North Melbourne, Adelaide, West Coast and Western Bulldogs.

Reeves said the club would continue to push for the bigger clubs to play in Launceston, particularly as improvements continue to be made to the venue, but said it was part of a juggling act for the AFL. “It’s always a challenge with the schedule with 18 teams spread across the country, but we always advocate for stronger games down here,” he said.

“We think it’s important for the Tasmanian people that they come and witness a great spectacle, so we’ll do what we can to play that role.”

Gowers said upgrades would only help Launceston’s cause to attract more high profile fixtures. “It certainly would put UTAS Stadium in a better position to host more games,” he said.

“What that means in regards to numbers (of games) is not for me to say, but from a Hawthorn perspective we love coming and playing here.

“We’re always pushing for better games wherever we play. There’s an ongoing discussion there with the AFL.

“There’s also 17 other teams pushing for what they want from a scheduling point of view too, but we’ll certainly be pushing for better games.”