The 2010 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture was released today, confirming Hawthorn will play seven home games at the MCG plus a further five away games.
 
Acting Chief Executive Terry Dillon said the strength of Hawthorn’s fixture reflected the growth in the Club’s membership and attendances, with three home games attracting a crowd of over 70,000 in 2009.
 
“We are thrilled to have secured these games at the MCG, giving our increasing member base the best chance to see the Hawks in action, he said.
 
“We have been able to work closely with the AFL to establish strong features in our draw, particularly increasing MCG based games against co-tenant clubs.”
 
In the Club’s request to the AFL prior to the fixture being drafted, Hawthorn asked for an increase in games at the MCG and a game in Tasmania on Anzac Day.
 
Both of these requests are reflected positively in next year’s draw, with 12 games at the MCG and four at Aurora Stadium, giving the Hawks 16 games at home venues in 2010.
 
Hawthorn’s season opener is against Melbourne on Saturday 27 March while the Club will play blockbuster matches against Geelong Cats, Collingwood, Essendon and Richmond at the MCG.
 
Another positive of Hawthorn’s 2010 fixture is the team will only make three trips interstate, excluding travel to Launceston.
 
2010 promises some entertaining games at Aurora Stadium, with Hawthorn hosting four home games in Tasmania - 2009 finalists Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions will make the trip along with the Fremantle Dockers - plus a pre-season game against Richmond.
 
Anzac Day footy will return to the Apple Isle, with the Hawks playing North Melbourne in a twilight match on Australia’s day of remembrance.
 
“We are pleased to be kicking off our Tasmanian campaign on Anzac Day and showcasing some great footy for our Tassie members and supporters.
 
“It will also be a blockbuster game in Round 16 when Franklin and Roughead go head-to-head with Brisbane’s Brown and Fevola,” Dillon said.

View the full Hawks 2010 fixture