The deal, which extends the Hawks’ 24-year partnership with the state for two more years, will see the club play eight games in Tasmania each season, including four AFL men’s home games at UTAS Stadium.
The Tasmania Devils are set to join the AFL in 2028, but Hawthorn’s Head of Tasmanian Operations David Cox has hinted at the possibility of both the Hawks and Devils playing in Tasmania.
Josh Mahoney has been named the AFL’s new general manager of football performance and Nicky Couston has landed the League’s head of talent position in appointments ahead of the season.
Mahoney moves from his current role as general manager of football operations into the head of football performance, which will see him lead the talent, umpiring, player movement, game analysis and coach and player engagement portfolios.
The change comes as Couston also takes on the head of talent role permanently, having been in the position on an interim basis since October last year when Grant Williams departed the AFL.
WA great Stephen Michael is this year’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round honoree.
Only one man has been able to make it work at both clubs: Paul Roos (handed over to John Longmire at the Sydney Swans and then to Simon Goodwin at Melbourne).
We’ve also seen it turn sour at other clubs as well, particularly at Essendon where Ben Rutten was sacked in 2022, just two years after taking over from John Worsfold, and at Carlton where Wayne Brittain was sacked at the end of 2002 after David Parkin stepped down at the end of 2000.
Sacked North Melbourne player Tarryn Thomas will be permitted to play state-league football this year, but has not been approved for an AFL return yet.
The 24-year-old can be signed by a VFL, SANFL or WAFL club that isn’t affiliated with an AFL team as he attempts to rebuild his career after multiple instances of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman.
In the VFL, that means Thomas could only play for Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Southport, Werribee or Williamstown.
As a port fan I would like to see Ken be given another shot. I think he did really well last year with a lacklustre squad. I’d say if port aren’t any chance to play finals Ken will go early.
