HAWTHORN president Jeff Kennett has offered his take on the club's 2019 fixture, saying it "does not entirely respect" the Hawks' contributions or success.

Kennett's comments came in one of his must-read letters to Hawthorn's membership base and follows chief executive Justin Reeves' earlier airing of his own disappointment.

Their beef is centred on the Hawks' absence from the AFL's bulked-up Thursday night schedule – up from seven to eight games next year – and the fact it was allocated just one Friday night home match.

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Kennett also doubled down on his previous claim that the AFL was "perhaps" trying to push Hawthorn out of Tasmania in North Melbourne's favour.

"No draw is ever perfect for any team," Kennett said.

"However, we feel the 2019 fixture does not entirely respect our great club, what it has done for the AFL and our success over the last 11 years…



"That said, we must deal with what we have, and the best way to do that is to attend each game, fill the stands and hopefully take home the win."

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MCG tenant Hawthorn also lamented having to again host a game at Marvel Stadium, which comes in round 22 against Gold Coast in the 4.40pm Sunday timeslot.

The Hawks didn't have a single home match there during the regular season between 2007 and 2012, as well as avoiding it in 2014 and 2016, but next year will mark three straight seasons of hosting one.

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"We understand the fixture process is a challenging one for the league, however it is disappointing we did not receive any of the priority fixture requests we submitted to the AFL and that we have again been fixtured a home game at Marvel Stadium," Reeves said.

"On a positive note, we are pleased our members will be able to enjoy some terrific home games at the MCG, with big match-ups against the Cats on Easter Monday, Collingwood on a Friday night and reigning premiers West Coast.

"In addition, we have drawn away games at the MCG against Melbourne, Richmond and Geelong, all of which provide our Victorian members and fans with some fantastic opportunities to support our boys at home against quality opposition."

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Both Kennett and Reeves were thrilled with Hawthorn's Tasmanian draw, including the JLT Community Series.

The Hawks take on Richmond in Launceston in their final pre-season hit-out then meet fellow big-drawing Victorian club Carlton there in round six, on top of Port Adelaide (round 10), Fremantle (round 17) and Brisbane (round 19).

Reeves said hosting Carlton in Tasmania was "a fantastic outcome" for the club's fans on the Apple Isle, while Kennett referred to former fitness guru Andrew Russell's defection to the Blues.

However, Kennett also referenced the Kangaroos' extra home match in Tasmania – they will play four as well – and their AFLW game at Launceston as part of their partnership with the state.

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"We can't help but feel, given the AFL's move to increase the number of North Melbourne home games in Tasmania and the move to play one of their AFLW games on our ground in Launceston, that perhaps the league is looking to force us out of Tasmania," Kennett said.

"Just another example of the challenges faced as a financially independent club, as the AFL seek to boost support for those that are not so well placed financially."