In recognition of our 21-year partnership with Tasmania, we have taken a look back at some of our favourite memories down in Launceston.
Join us as we revisit the five greatest moments over the past two decades (and a bit!).
VFL player by player: Sam's rundown on Round 1 performances
5.
Hodgey's last hurrah
Round 21 2017 vs North Melbourne
Hawthorn 18.8 116 def. North Melbourne 14.5 89
This game was Luke Hodge’s 45th and final visit to Launceston as a Hawk. Few players would have a comparable record to Hodge’s at UTAS Stadium. From his 45 appearances in the brown and gold, he flew home with the four premiership points on 36 occasions (as well as two premiership points on one occasion!). Regrettably, the superstar was able to further improve his record at the venue when he became a Lion, adding another two wins to his tally to the Hawks’ detriment on both counts. Fanfare and failed fireworks greeted Hodge for his final performance in front of the adoring Launceston crowd and, as he so often did across his 346-game career, the four-time premiership player rose for the moment, collecting 29 disposals, nine marks and four tackles as the Hawks triumphed by 27 points.
4.
A debut to remember
Round 6 2001 vs Adelaide
Hawthorn 16.8 104 def. Adelaide 12.19 91
The first time Hawthorn hosted a game at Launceston couldn’t have come on the back of a better stint for the club. The Hawks had burst out of the blocks in 2001, recording five straight wins from their opening five games. As the game got underway, the 13th-placed Crows had all the momentum early, recording the first six scoring shots of the game across the opening 15 minutes. But just one of these attempts drew a goal and, when the inevitable swing of momentum did come, the Hawks never looked back as they kicked away with nine unanswered goals. The Peter Schwab-coached Hawks made it one from one in Tassie and had officially built the foundations of what would become a mighty fortress for the brown and gold.
3.
That one time...
Round 4 2007 vs Geelong
Hawthorn 10.16 76 def. Geelong 9.18 72
One of Hawthorn’s fiercest rivals, Geelong have only ever ventured down to the Apple Isle on one occasion. That occasion was in April 2007 when a second-placed Cats side, who were ultimately bound for premiership glory five months later, ventured south to take on an eighth-placed Hawks. The Cats, coached by Mark Thompson, jumped out of the blocks early, as the average punter may have expected, leading a goalless Hawks outfit by 18 points at the first change. From there though, the screws tightened on the game and, beyond the midway point of the second term, the margin never extended beyond a single goal. The Cats held a four-point buffer at three-quarter but what followed that was simply a bizarre final term. The Hawks had eight scoring shots in the fourth quarter while the Cats had six, but each side managed just one goal from their respective attempts. Blame it on the weather conditions or the high-pressure, regardless it made for an odd but enthralling finish.
2.
19 on the trot
Round 19 2016 vs Carlton
Hawthorn 10.14 74 def. Carlton 7.13 55
Hawthorn entered rarefied air with this Round 19 win, its 19th consecutive victory at the Launceston venue. The streak remains the club’s longest winning run at any venue in history, with the 13-game period at the MCG between 2014 and 2015 the next longest. Only five other clubs can boast a longer string of success at a particular venue, with Geelong holding the league record with 29 straight wins at Kardinia Park between Round 3 2008 and Round 20 2011. The Hawks’ Launceston streak began in Round 8 2012 making it longer than any opposition side’s greatest run given that Hawthorn visit Launceston just four times a year.
1.
"THIRTEEEEEEEN!"
Round 10 2012 vs North Melbourne
Hawthorn 27.12 174 def. North Melbourne 9.5 59
This game will forever be remembered for the performance of one man and one iconic piece of commentary. “THIRTEEEEEEN! THIRTEEEEEEN! Can you believe it?” The answer to Anthony Hudson’s electrified question was difficult to answer – Lance Franklin’s performance that day was completely unbelievable but, having been exposed to eight years of Buddy brilliance already, the unbelievable had become what Hawks fans had grown to expect from the mercurial forward. This remains Franklin’s greatest single game goalkicking show. Amazingly, the Hawks number 23 started somewhat slowly, booting just one goal in the first term. But, from there, it became chaotic for the helpless Kangaroos backline. Five goals in the second quarter saw Buddy suddenly with six at the main break. Despite North’s best efforts, Franklin followed his scintillating second stanza up with another four in the third and three in the last. Those that were in attendance that day won’t be forgetting this one any time soon.
