AFL changes start time of Hawthorn-North Melbourne clash in Launceston
Hawthorn’s season-defining match with North Melbourne at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium will be brought forward on Saturday due to industrial action in the state’s power sector.
7NEWS understands the match, originally scheduled for 4.40pm, will now start at 12:30pm AEST.
It’s believed preliminary conversations on Friday morning raised the possibility of the game being moved back to Melbourne where Marvel Stadium remains free on Saturday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.However, the match will proceed at UTAS Stadium as planned.
As a result of the change, Saturday’s match between Richmond and Gold Coast at the MCG has also shifted.
Originally scheduled for 2:10pm AEST, it will now start at 3:20pm AEST to avoid three games running at the same time.
Tasmania’s electrical union has this week commenced industrial action as its TasNetworks staff hold out for a pay rise.
TasNetworks is the provider that oversees power outages across Tasmania, leaving the use of lights at the ground in limbo should a fault arise on Saturday.
Alastair Clarkson’s Kangaroos landed in Launceston early Friday afternoon ahead of the match, while Sam Mitchell’s Hawks are due to arrive mid-afternoon.
The Hawks head into the match knowing a win will secure their spot in the finals.
It will cap a remarkable run to September after they began the season with five-straight losses.
If they lose to North then they will be relying on other results.
Should they lose, combined with Carlton and Fremantle wins, then they will miss out on the finals.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
