Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox has welcomed the release of the club’s 2017 fixture saying it provides plenty of reasons for Hawks members and fans to be excited.
“Overall we are happy with the 2017 fixture and believe it is a strong draw for our fans and members,” Fox said.
“We have drawn some terrific home games at the MCG, with big match-ups against Geelong, Collingwood and Sydney that are certain to attract big crowds.
“Additionally, we are scheduled to play fellow 2016 finalists, Adelaide Crows and West Coast Eagles on our home turf at the MCG.
“Add five away games at the MCG against Essendon, Melbourne, Collingwood, Geelong and Richmond and we have eleven blockbuster matches for our Victorian members and fans.
“Over the coming weeks we will work on confirming our four member replacement games, which will give members the opportunity to access even more blockbuster games.”
The Hawks have a total of eleven games at the MCG in 2017, four at University of Tasmania (formerly Aurora) Stadium, two at Etihad and five interstate.
Click here to see the Hawks' full 2017 fixture
“It’s a fantastic fixture for our Tassie Hawks members and supporters, with an even spread of games,” Fox said.
“We have a great start to our 2017 campaign in Tasmania, drawing St. Kilda in Round 6 at University of Tasmania Stadium and are thrilled to again be hosting two Victorian opponents in Launceston.
“Our Round 21 clash with North Melbourne is particularly exciting and gives Tasmanians the opportunity to witness a local derby type blockbuster.”
Highlights of the Hawks’ 2017 fixture include:
- Six home games at the MCG, beginning with a blockbuster clash with Adelaide Crows in Round 2
- Match-ups against Victorian clubs North Melbourne and St Kilda at University of Tasmania Stadium, as well as 2016 preliminary finalists GWS Giants. The Hawks will also come face-to-face with former GM Football Operations, Chris Fagan and his Brisbane Lions in Tasmania
- An away match at Metricon Stadium (Round 3); the first time the club has played at the venue since 2014
- Four matches at University of Tasmania Stadium evenly spread across the season
- Two Friday night and two Thursday night prime time fixtures
- Family friendly timeslots with six Saturday afternoon games, four Sunday afternoon and two Sunday twilight games
“We requested to play all seven home games at the MCG in 2017 but have drawn Western Bulldogs in Round 23 at Etihad,” Fox said.
“Although our preference is to play all of our home games at the MCG, I would encourage all of our fans to get behind the boys in what will be an exciting contest against the reigning premiers.”
12 Hawks’ game will be televised live on Fox Footy and 9 games will be broadcast free-to-air on the Seven Network.
“Two Friday night and two Thursday night games present excellent commercial opportunities for sponsors and partners in prime-time television markets,” Fox said.
