Hawthorn have agreed to put negotiations with the Tasmanian government to extend their deal to play games in Tasmania on hold until later this year as a result of the coronvirus pandemic.

The government is also discussing with Hawthorn the ramifications of them being unable to play games in Launceston in 2020 due to the shutdown with the premier Peter Gutwein talking to Hawks CEO Justin Reeves and president Jeff Kennett on Thursday.

The Hawks have enjoyed a strong and long-standing relationship with the government and are midway through a five-year deal worth $20 million to play four premiership matches and a pre-season game in Tasmania each year until 2021.

Apple Isle Hawks: Teammates celebrate a goal against Port Adelaide in 2018. Credit:AAP

However they only managed to play a pre-season game in Launceston in 2020, kicking off the Marsh Series against St Kilda, before the shutdown occurred after round one.