Media release - Keep Hawthorn & grow Launceston's AFL content: Armitage

Tuesday 28 April 2026

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MEDIA RELEASE

Keep Hawthorn and grow Launceston's AFL content: Armitage

Tuesday 28 April 2026

Independent Member for Launceston Rosemary Armitage has come out in support of the Launceston business community warning the Tasmanian Devils’ arrival must not be used as an excuse to strip AFL from the North.

Ms Armitage said businesses and the community are right to demand a firm commitment now, with Hawthorn’s current deal delivering four home‑and‑away matches in Launceston each year through to the end of next season.

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

"Launceston should host four Hawthorn games and multiple Devils home games, including a Hawthorn v Devils match, full stop.”

“Keeping Hawthorn games is about jobs and turnover for local businesses,” she said.

"There needs to be a bipartisan, AFL‑backed plan that includes a long‑term post‑2027 commitment for Hawthorn to continue playing premiership‑season matches in Launceston and a guarantee that Northern Tasmania receives increased elite AFL content, not merely replacement or reduced content, in the long term."

Enquiries: Contact Rosemary Armitage MLC on 0419 341 178 or email Rosemary.Armitage@parliament.tas.gov.au

About Rosemary:The Hon. Rosemary Armitage MLC is the Independent Member for Launceston in the Legislative Council and has held this position since being elected in 2011.

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