Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL club want to extend their partnership with Tasmania beyond 2011.

The Tasmanian government last week considered putting the state's football sponsorship out to tender, but later abandoned that plan after the Hawks said they were committed to playing more games in Launceston.

Kennett said on Sunday Hawthorn were keen to negotiate a long-term partnership with Tasmania to play games at Aurora Stadium after the current contract expired.

"I make no bones about it, we want to stay in Tasmania for many years to come, not just for the next five years," Kennett said at a luncheon before the Hawks played Sydney at the MCG.

"We entered into this relationship thinking it might be long-term and forever."

Kennett said the Hawks enjoyed playing in Launceston, where they held a decent home-ground advantage, and had signed 7,000 members from the island state.

"Hopefully the next year will see us go through a process that will ultimately see a re-commitment by Tasmania for Hawthorn, but also Hawthorn for Tasmania," he said.

The Hawks play in Launceston next Sunday, against the Brisbane Lions, and also host games there in rounds 15 and 19.

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