Chaos as AFL forced to refixture Hawks crucial clash

Hawthorn’s must-win clash against North Melbourne, that will determine their finals chances has been controversially moved from a 4.40pm (AEST) start, to a 12.30pm start on Saturday.
It comes after Tasmania’s electrical workers union began industrial action during the week, now threatening to spike the Hawks and Roos match at York Park.
On top of the industrial action, there have been recent power outages across Launceston, that have impacted the venue directly, with fears the twilight clash could have brought them to a head.
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There are now concerns that TasNetwork staff would not guarantee that they could fix a possible outage of the ground’s lights on Saturday.
With tickets, broadcasters and the teams themselves already in Tasmania, there was no choice left for the league, except to move the match forward.
Conor Nash of the Hawks celebrates with fans in round 18 in Tasmania. AFL Photos via Getty Images
It has also forced Saturday’s clash at the MCG between Richmond and Gold Coast to change start time, being pushed back from a 2:10pm opening bounce, to a 3:20pm start.
The 1230pm start in Tasmania will eliminate the likely need to use the ground lights at any stage of the match.
It is a must-win for the Hawks as their chance in the top eight remains at stake.
Hawks fans celebrate a goal in Tasmania, round 18. Getty
A win will lock them in, but if they do go down to the 17th-placed Kangaroos, the Hawks will need to rely on other results to secure a chance in September.
On top of that, if Carlton and Fremantle both get wins and Hawthorn do not, they’re out of the eight.