After advice and consultation with the AFL and Victorian Government, Hawthorn’s Round 14 match against Essendon, originally fixtured to be played at the MCG, has been relocated to UTAS Stadium in Launceston due to restrictions on Melbourne crowds in Round 14.
Hawthorn acknowledges the AFL’s decision to move the match to Launceston while welcoming the opportunity to play in front of a crowd at its home-away-from-home, UTAS Stadium.
The AFL made the decision in light of current Victorian Government restrictions regarding crowds in stadiums and the news that no crowds would remain in place until at least this coming weekend.
While the club’s preference would have been to play one of its traditional rivals on the big stage of the MCG, without the ability to have crowds in attendance the rescheduling of the game to Launceston is a pleasing result for the club.
Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves highlighted the bittersweet nature of the news today.
“While it is disappointing that we are unable to play our Round 14 match against Essendon at the ‘G as fixtured, the decision to relocate this match to Tasmania is the best result we could have hoped for given current Covid-19 restrictions in Victoria,” said Reeves.
“By taking the match to Tasmania we are able to bring an exciting match to our Tasmanian members and fans and play in front of a crowd.
“We have been working closely with the Victorian Government and the AFL to achieve the most ideal outcome based on current restrictions. Furthermore, the club would like to extend its thanks to the Tasmanian Government and Premier Peter Gutwein for the support and assistance provided in rescheduling this match to Launceston.
“Hawthorn is committed to abiding by all protocols put in place to ensure the safety of the Tasmanian community. The protocols agreed to by the club, the AFL and the Tasmanian Government and Public Health authorities will ensure the match can proceed in a safe manner while also being played in front of what we expect to be strong crowd attendance.
“We hope to see the stands at UTAS Stadium packed with our Tassie family this Sunday.”
The relocated match will mark the first time Essendon has played in Tasmania, while Hawthorn boasts an impressive 75 per cent winning rate at UTAS Stadium.
Hawthorn has agreed to strict travel protocols as part of the matches relocation and will fly-in-fly-out for the match on Sunday in line with travel protocols as approved by Tasmanian Public Health and the Deputy State Controller to ensure the match can be conducted in a COVID safe manner.
Hawthorn continues to work closely with the AFL to confirm ticketing details and will provide its members and fans with an update as soon as further information is available.
