Hawthorn Football Club will this week return to Tasmania for its eleventh consecutive Australia Post AFL Community Camp.

The Club has adapted its annual visit to assist with recovery efforts at bushfire affected areas in Dunalley, Connelley’s Marsh, Sorell and Dodges Ferry.

Split into six groups, players will visit major hubs Hobart and Launceston, while two additional groups will travel along the East and West Coasts of the state from Wednesday 6 – Friday 8 February.

Hawks players will engage with local schools, hospitals and local charity partners including Beacon Foundation, Leukaemia Foundation, Able Australia and Whitelion among others, during the three-day camp.

Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox said the Club is looking forward to spending time in the Tasmanian community ahead of its 13th season in partnership with the state.

“Tasmania is our home-away-from-home and our annual camp is a great chance for all of us to get out in the community and engage with our members and supporters,” Fox said.

“This year, Hawthorn has extended its plans in the South to work with the local community to assist with the recovery efforts in the regions affected by the recent bushfires.

“Led by our Captain Luke Hodge and Tasmanian Grant Birchall, our players are looking forward to lending their support in Dunalley, Connelley’s Marsh, Sorell and Dodges Ferry during the camp.

“Tasmania is an integral part of Hawthorn Football Club and we embrace our annual community camp as an opportunity to give back to the community that has been so supportive of our Club,” Fox said.

The local community has shown its resounding support for the Club through membership. Currently, Hawthorn has signed 7,336 Tassie members.