As fears mount that Hawthorn might not have a Tasmanian future beyond 2027, figures from around the Launceston community have had their say.
Hawthorn have been clear that they want to remain in the state after 2027 when the Devils enter the AFL at the start of 2028.
The Devils hold the opposite view, wanting to have full access to Tasmania.
This impasse has prompted a petition, statements of support from the Launceston business community and in the political realm.
Why the support?
The Devils have been firm in their commitment to Northern Tasmania, going as far as to say the club will be playing the majority of its home games at UTAS Stadium, which by 2028 will have its upgrades completed, before the Macquarie Point stadium is finished.
This would see, at minimum, three seasons of at least six Devils games in Launceston, given Hobart's new stadium is scheduled to be completed in 2031.
But the Launceston business community wants to see the Hawks remain in Launceston's AFL calendar, because as Launceston Central board chair Taihlaura Denman-Francis said, "the more, the merrier".
"From our perspective, it's more a case of recognising the significant economic and community benefit Hawthorn has delivered over the past 25 years," Denman-Francis said.
"Continuing to have Hawthorn games alongside the introduction of the Devils would only strengthen those benefits and provide even more opportunities for the local economy and community.
"We're really excited about the Tassie Devils and what that will mean for the future of AFL in Tasmania. This isn't about one over the other."
Call to action
As well as issuing statements of support, the community has also been appealing to the AFL, which ultimately has final say on all fixturing matters.
Launceston Chamber of Commerce chief executive Alina Bain sent a letter to AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon on behalf of the chamber, pressing the case as to why the Hawks should remain in Launceston.
"Our position is not either/or. It is both," the letter read.
"Over 25 years, Hawthorn games in Launceston have contributed an average of approximately $20 million per annum to the local economy, with an estimated total impact of around $500 million.
"Hawthorn content is a proven and reliable demand generator, supporting accommodation, hospitality, retail, transport and professional services, while also contributing to Tasmania's national profile."
Alongside the official communiques are more grassroots campaigns.
A petition started a fortnight ago on Change.org calling for the Hawks to remain in Tasmania has gained more than 400 signatories at time of publishing.
Where does the state government stand?
The government is remaining open to the idea of having the Hawks in Tasmania beyond 2027.
Events Minister Jane Howlett reaffirmed Premier Jeremy Rockliff's election promise that UTAS Stadium would host "a minimum of six AFL games per year post 2027".
"The government is working with the Hawthorn Football Club on what the partnership looks like beyond 2027," Howlett said.
"We know that once the Tasmania Devils take to the field the landscape in Tasmania will be different from a football perspective.
"We recognise the valuable role Hawthorn plays not only in football in Tasmania but more broadly in our local communities, and especially the value to Northern Tasmania."