Hawthorn returns to UTAS Stadium in Round 17 to host the Demons, in a celebratory match for the club’s 25 Year Anniversary in Tasmania.
This marks the first meeting between the two sides at the Hawks' home away from home, UTAS Stadium.
The Hawks have won four of their last five games, sitting third on the ladder. While Melbourne are coming off their mid-season bye, in seventh position.
Two Hawks get their opportunity at AFL level this Saturday, with Matt Hill and Noah Mraz announced to make their debut against the Demons.
Jack Gunston also returns to the line-up after being sidelined since Round 12, as does father-son pick Will McCabe, in for his second game this season.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the first bounce:
WHO: Hawthorn v Melbourne
WHAT: Round 17
WHERE: UTAS Stadium
WHEN: Saturday 4 July
TIME: 1.15pm (AEST)
BROADCAST: Fox Footy/Kayo
How to watch
Following along at home? The game will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and can be streamed through Kayo.
Don’t have Kayo? Click HERE to check out our Hawks on Demand membership and save on 12 months of Kayo.
Follow @hawthornfc on Instagram, X and Facebook to remain updated on all the behind-the-scenes action on game day.
Last time we met
Hawthorn (81) defeated by Melbourne (120) in Round 10, 2026.
Hawthorn and Melbourne met back in Round 10 at the MCG, with the Demons handing the Hawks their third loss of the season thus far by 39 points.
Dylan Moore was a standout for the Hawks with a game-high 10 score involvements, two goals of his own and 27 disposals, while Nick Watson booted three goals.
Karl Amon amassed a game-high 28 disposals, and equal game-high nine marks and six intercept possessions.
Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek combined for 42 hitouts, somewhat nullifying Max Gawn’s influence in the ruck contests around the ground.
What’s On
Join us for our 25 Years in Tassie celebratory match!
Kicking off with a 25th Anniversary Hawk Walk, join Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood, Hawthorn President Andy Gowers, Hawka and a host of Hawthorn members, fans and followers as we revisit the historic Hawk Walk to UTAS Stadium in the lead up to the match. Meet at Town Hall from 10.30am and visit the 25th Anniversary Hawthorn Exhibition before departing from the Town Hall steps at 11.15am.
Be sure to be in your seat from 12.45pm for a special pre-match ceremony, before our Hawks run out at 1.04pm and the game begins from 1.15pm.
Quarter-time will play host to the Superhero Kick for Cash, and at three-quarter-time it’s the KFC Bucket Challenge.
The Inclusion Project Sensory Space
The Inclusion Project will be facilitating the Sensory Spaces at UTAS Stadium - made possible by Variety, the Children’s Charity VIC. This is supported by an Occupational Therapist and lived experience staff member, who will be available to assist fans with strategies to make the game more accessible.
The Sensory Space is located below the Western Stand and will be open as the gates open, for the duration of the match.
Inclusion Project Officers will be at the main entrances to assist if you require during the match.
Tickets and Membership
Limited General Public tickets to our Round 17 match are available via Ticketmaster.
Membership access information can be found via the UTAS Membership Ticketing Hub.
In 2026 we’re doing it Our Way. It’s never too late to become a 2026 member with a variety of packages available. SIGN UP HERE!
Getting to the game
Walking to the ground
The stadium is located within walking distance to Launceston’s CBD.
By Bus
Metro Tasmania bus service 'Northern Turn Up & Go' runs down Invermay Road with stops outside UTAS Stadium.
Routes connect Kings Meadows through the city to Mowbray, Invermay, and Inveresk.
Bus numbers include 110, 115, 116, 117, 770, 771, 772.
Additionally, Launceston's free Tiger Bus Service stops close to the stadium, at Invermay shops and North Inveresk Car Park.
Car Parking
City of Launceston recommends car parking at the Northern Inveresk Car Park on game days.
This location has 850 car parks and is a short walk from the University of Tasmania Stadium. It is free to park on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays, and $4 a day 8am-6pm Monday to Friday.
Limited car parking is also available on Invermay Road for $2.50 per hour Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, and free on Sundays and public holidays.
