Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has stated the Hawks have a significant advantage playing games in Tasmania after their close win against Adelaide on Friday night.
The Hawks won by three points in a low-scoring thriller against the Crows, winning (6.14) 47 to (5.14) 44.
After having won their last eight matches in Tasmania, including their match against the Crows and Giants this year, Hawthorn have won 75 per cent of games since they first played in Tasmania in 2001.
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Mitchell praised the record the Hawks have in Tasmania as important and has contributed to playing finals in previous years.
“We love coming and playing here. I think I’ve said before, on average, we’ve probably won one extra game a season across the 20-odd years that we’ve been coming here,” Mitchell said.
“In other years, that might be the difference between a top eight and a not top eight, or top four and not top four, or home final or not. So, the advantage that we have is significant.”
The Hawks signed a two-year extension at the start of the year to play four home games in Launceston until the end of 2027, with the Tasmanian Devils expected to join the competition in 2028.
Last night’s game was the first game under lights in Launceston, with slippery conditions making it a low-scoring affair.
Mitchell explained that although it was low scoring, it was still an entertaining game to watch at the stadium and at home.
“They sold out the game, it was a close game. Even though it was not a high-scoring (game), I don’t think too many people turned the TV off. To me, that was a game you wanted to watch all the way until the end,” he added.
“I’m wrapt to be playing down here on a Friday night. For Tassie to get that exposure, I think it's really important for the state and important for us as a club that we’re putting on a pretty good show for the fans.
“I know that there’s a team coming, but I hope Launceston, in particular, continues to call Hawthorn their home team.”