Hawthorn Launches Season 2010 in Tasmania

Premier David Bartlett joined Hawthorn Football Club players, officials and supporters in Hobart this morning to launch the club's 2010 AFL Premiership Season.

Speaking at the Tasmanian launch event Mr Bartlett acknowledged the strong connections that have been formed between the Hawks and the Tasmanian community over the past three years.

 "The Hawthorn Football Club has immersed itself within the wider Tasmanian community as we have seen this week with the numerous community activities, clinics and events held across the state as part of the AFL Community Camp program," Mr Bartlett said.

The launch event is part of a three-day visit to the state by 39 players as well as coaching and support staff from the club for the AFL Community Camp program.

"Since the partnership was formed in 2007, the Hawthorn Football Club and Tasmania have built a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.

"The partnership has brought AFL football to Tasmania so that Tasmanian fans can see the game they love being played at the very highest level.

"And Tasmanians are supporting the Hawthorn Football Club at record rates. Tasmanian members now make up 15 per cent of Hawthorn's total members," he said.

 Mr Bartlett said the Tasmanian Government's relationship with Hawthorn has given a strong boost to the state's economy.

 "While the Opposition have criticised our investment in a football club, it is an investment that continues to pay off, directly supporting up to 300 Tasmanian jobs and generating $15 million worth of economic impact each year.

"The partnership has also become a vital tourism driver for Tasmania, with approximately 35 per cent of all Aurora Stadium home-game attendees travelling from interstate.

"The visitor demand has contributed to Launceston Airport's record passenger figures for 2009 and the recent announcements by Qantas and Jetstar that they will increase their capacity into and out of the north in 2010," he said.

Hawthorn will continue its community engagement today, holding activities with Down Syndrome Tasmania, Strive for Life, the George Town Council Youth Leadership program, and a visit to Risdon Prison with Reclink.

Mr Bartlett said this week's activities would build on the strong community connections the club has formed with Tasmanians through programs such as the Hawks in Schools Active Kids Program, the NEC Tassie Hawks Cup and the Success 4 Life program.

The Hawks will return to Tasmania next weekend for the NAB pre-season cup twilight game against Richmond at Aurora Stadium on Saturday, 13 February. Four more home games will be held at Aurora Stadium throughout the 2010 AFL Premiership Season.