Hawks to fly by night in Launceston in 2018

Published on 31 October 2017

Hawthorn's first night match for premiership points at University of Tasmania Stadium will kick start the Hawks' 2018 season in Launceston.

The Hawks will host St Kilda on Saturday, April 28 at 7.25pm in round six of the 2018 AFL season.

The AFL released its 2018 home-and-away roster this morning.

Hawthorn will play four home games at UTAS Stadium next season - with matches against Port Adelaide (Saturday, June 2 at 2.10pm), the Gold Coast Suns (Saturday, June 23 at 1.45pm) and Brisbane in round 17 on Saturday, July 14 at 1.45pm.

That final game will be a homecoming of sorts for former Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge, who came out of retirement to sign a one-year contract with Brisbane at the end of the 2017 season.

Hawthorn will be looking to rebuild in 2018 following a disappointing end to last season, which saw the Hawks finish 12th on the ladder - two games outside the top eight.

It was the first time Hawthorn finished the home-and-away season outside the top eight since finishing ninth in 2009.

The Hawks will also host Carlton in a JLT Community Series pre-season match at UTAS Stadium on Saturday, March 10 at 7.05pm.

Hawthorn Chief Operating Officer Tim Silvers told hawthornfc.com.au:

“Tasmania has truly become our home away from home as we enter our 17th year in what continues to be a terrific partnership,” Slivers said.

“To be a part of the first ever night game at UTAS Stadium and come up against a quality side in St Kilda is really exciting for the club and our fans.

“This match should prove to be a great draw card and I encourage all our Tassie supporters to get along and show their support for what will be a terrific game.”