Media release: Armitage Calls Out AFL Over Hawthorn Exit, Warns of Impact on Northern Economy

Wednesday 20 May 2026

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Independent Member for Launceston Rosemary Armitage has strongly criticised the decision taken to end Tasmania’s partnership with the Hawthorn Football Club.

This follows Ms Armitage’s call for support of the Launceston business community in April and an additional warning that the Tasmanian Devils’ arrival must not be used as an excuse to strip AFL from the North.

“What we have now seen is the calls from northern businesses and community demanding a firm commitment to keep at least four home-and-away matches in Launceston fall on deaf ears,” Ms Armitage said.

"There is absolutely no reason why Hawthorn and the Tasmanian Devils cannot co-exist in Tasmania.”

"Instead, the AFL has treated Northern Tasmania, the people and businesses that have supported the industry here for the past 25 years, with utter contempt.”

“Keeping Hawthorn games in the state’s north has been about jobs and turnover for local businesses,” she said.

"Once the Macquarie Point stadium is built, I think we should look at reinstating a similar deal with Hawthorn, if we want to be serious about growing AFL content and accessibility across the entire state in the long term.”

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