When Tasmania wanted an AFL team, the Hawks answered the call. Picture supplied
How the Hawks landed in Tassie
Hawthorn is Tasmania’s adopted team, and the club’s 25 years of success here is the result of an ambitious long-term plan to bring AFL footy to the state. A plan that has changed the direction of football history in the Apple Isle.
Read the Hawks 25 years in Tasmania magazine online.
Back in 2000, the Tasmanian government wanted to prove to the AFL that the state could support a team. The best way to do that, it was determined, was to convince an existing club to play some of its home games here.
The Premier at the time was the late Jim Bacon, who was a long-time supporter of bringing top-level football to Tasmania. He knew the value of star power, and enlisted the help of Tasmanian – and Hawthorn – Legend Peter Hudson to help sell the proposition to clubs.
“I spoke to all the clubs and no one was interested in going down to Tassie,” said Hudson.
But then one night while driving home, he received a phone call from then Hawks President Ian Dicker. The two spoke for an hour and when they were done Hawthorn’s presence in Tasmania was secure.
“Ian Dicker and the Premier had the ability to foresee the future as to what it could be and what it could mean, and I think it would have exceeded everybody’s expectations,” said Hudson.
The Hawks would need somewhere to play. Rick Dunn was working as marketing manager for the City of Launceston at the time, while his good friend and former Footscray star Robert Groenwegen had recently started as manager of the Inveresk Precinct, which includes York Park, now known as UTAS Stadium.
The pair was working to secure upgrades to the ground, and could see the potential in bringing the Hawks to town.
Read the Hawks 25 years in Tasmania magazine online.
“This was seen from a strategic point of view as a way of testing the market,” said Dunn.
“The AFL were a little uncertain how a model would work in Tasmania.”
The Hawks tested the waters, playing one game in Launceston in 2001 and two in 2002. Mr Groenwegen said the club and the stadium have had a successful symbiotic relationship ever since.
“The ground continued to develop on the back of the success of the Hawks, each time more people came in, more development occurred around the ground,” he said.
“The Hawks deserve credit for the way they embraced it. They’ve dealt with it so professionally and they are absolutely loved in Tasmania.”
Breaking news alert
Be the first to know when news breaks.
Loading…
The lunch break
Grab a quick bite of today’s latest news from around the region and the nation.
Loading…
The evening wrap
Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.
Loading…
Your morning news
Today’s top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
Loading…
Today’s Paper Alert
Your digital replica of Today’s Paper. Ready to read from 5am!
Loading…
The Echidna
Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.
Loading…
Explore Travel News
Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.
Loading…
The Informer
Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.
Loading…
Motoring
Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarGuide, ACM’s exclusive motoring partner.
Loading…
Property
Real local, smart property news for regional Australia
Loading…
Your favourite puzzles
Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!
Loading…
The Senior newsletters
Stay in the know on news that matters to you with twice weekly newsletters from The Senior.
Loading…
As it happens
Subscriber OnlySpecial Reports
Get the very best journalism from The Examiner by signing up to our special reports.
Loading…
Sport
The latest news, results & expert analysis.
Loading…
Voice of Real Australia
Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network’s editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.
Loading…
Note from the Editor
Get the editor’s insights: what’s happening & why it matters.
Loading…
What’s On
Going out or staying in? Find out what’s on.
Loading…