AFL “considering two options” as strikes threaten to scupper Hawks v Roos clash in Launceston

The AFL might move the fixture due to concerns over power outages and union strikes in Launceston.

Saturday’s Round 24 clash between Hawthorn and North Melbourne at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium could be in jeopardy, reports Channel Nine’s Tom Morris.

The reason the fixture is under threat is due to a pay dispute between Tasmania’s electrical workers.

As things stand, Tasmania’s Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union is battling for wage increases from TasNetworks - and part of their industrial action is a ‘switching ban’ where union workers aren’t turning equipment back on in the event of an outage. They’re also not conducting repair work.

As a result of this ban, the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk campus in Launceston was left without power for 36 hours. Close to 550 customers were also left without electricity on Thursday in Launceston according to the ABC.

Given Launceston’s ongoing power outages, concerns have arisen about the power supply to UTAS Stadium during the game.

If an outage occurs at the ground on Saturday – given the game begins at 4:40 pm (AEST) and will require lighting – there are concerns that the fixture won’t be able to be finished due to a lack of natural light.

As a result, Morris is reporting that the AFL is considering its options to move the fixture’s time to accommodate for natural light or in a worst-case scenario – moving the clash to an entirely different venue.

“What's happening is there could be a footy game tomorrow North Melbourne versus Hawthorn that is impacted by industrial action from electricians,” Morris told SEN Afternoons.

“What's happening down there is workers are striking because they want pay parity with their mainland counterparts. They believe they're being paid 30 per cent less than people doing the equivalent job on the mainland are paid.

“Part of the strike is that when something goes wrong such as a power outage in Launceston, they’re refusing to fix it … given Hawthorn v North Melbourne is a twilight game - if a light goes out, then no one will be there to fix it.

“So, the AFL is considering two options. The most likely is that they bring the game forward to be an early afternoon game so they don't need light towers.

“The last resort, which is an option is, Marvel Stadium. North Melbourne and Hawthorn are down there, they bring both teams back (to Melbourne) and they'll play at Marvel Stadium in the same time slot.”

If the game is brought forward, quite possibly to 12:30pm AEST, there could be three early games on Saturday with Geelong facing West Coast at GMHBA Stadium at 1:45pm (AEST) and Richmond hosting Gold Coast at the MCG at 2:10pm (AEST).