Hawthorn will use its Round 17 clash with the Dockers to celebrate and support Tasmanian Football.

The game, played this Saturday at UTAS Stadium in Launceston, will feature several nods to different leagues and levels of football around the state, starting with a NAB League (formerly TAC Cup) curtain raiser between the Tasmania Devils and the Eastern Ranges. 

The curtain raiser will kick off at 10.45am, with match goers encouraged to arrive early to watch their U18 state representatives in action.

The Tassie footy flavour continues at half time, with the Auskick kids set to run out in jumpers emblazoned with the state’s home and away strips. 

Junior football clubs from Launceston’s north and northeast have also been invited to join in the festivities.

The Hawks offered 30 tickets to 12 different clubs from this area, encouraging them to wear their colours and represent their region.

The celebration of Tasmanian football comes at a pertinent time, with Tasmanian native Grant Birchall set to make his return to football this weekend after two years out of the game. 

Read: Birch returns

Birchall is one of many talented Hawthorn players to come out of Tasmania, following the likes of Peter Hudson and Leigh Matthews.

For more information about the entertainment and giveaways planned for Saturday’s Round 17 match at UTAS Stadium, click here.