NORTH Melbourne has officially signed off on a new five-year deal to play matches in Hobart ahead of Friday night's historic clash against Richmond at Blundstone Arena.

The new contract will run until the end of 2021 and see North continue its annual commitment of three home and away games in the Tasmanian capital.  

Kangaroos chairman James Brayshaw said the deal was always going to get done.

"To extend the relationship we have down here is just fantastic," Brayshaw said in Hobart on Friday afternoon.

"The deal was never in doubt. This is by far the best thing we've done in my time as chairman of the footy club."

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan commended North Melbourne and the Tasmanian government for striking such a lengthy commitment. 

"It does feel like a ground breaking day for AFL in Tasmania," McLachlan said.

"It's a deep partnership, the start of a new dawn." 

North's existing two-year Hobart contract has been funded by the state-owned TT-Line, which operates the Spirit of Tasmania ferries, and the Hobart City Council. 

But the council will not be a partner in the new deal, with the Tasmanian Government stepping in during negotiations to ensure the Roos' continued presence in the Apple Isle's capital city.

 

Tasmanian premier Will Hodgman said he was looking forward to North continuing its strong commitment to the state. 

"North Melbourne's work in both the community and of course on game day here in Hobart has been exemplary," Mr Hodgman said. 

"Seeing the Roos secure a future here in the state is an exciting prospect for all Tasmanians."

North has also confirmed its involvement in working with the AFL and AFL Tasmania to develop elite football talent across the state. 

As the first step in the process, North’s Next Generation Academy, for boys and girls aged between 11 and 15, will be set up immediately.

“We’re not sitting on our hands. The next wave of football talent will have a chance to be involved and recognised as part of the future of our great game through our various programs and academies,” Brayshaw said. 

“We’ll maintain our state-wide focus and will be working incredibly hard to provide a talent pathway for some future stars in both boys’ and girls’ competitions.” 

McLachlan said the new deal would benefit the entire Tasmanian football community.

"The extension of the deal is clearly a win for Tasmanian football fans and will also see the club help grow and develop the football pathway in conjunction with the AFL and AFL Tasmania," McLachlan said.

North is also committed to establishing its award-winning Huddle program in Tasmania, having worked with thousands of young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds at its Arden Street headquarters since 2010.

North will host the Tigers in the first Friday night game in Tasmania.

The Roos are marking the occasion with a pre-game show that will include a live performance by You Am I frontman Tim Rogers and a fireworks display.

However, Kangaroos coach Brad Scott will be absent after being hospitalised for a viral infection. Assistant Darren Crocker will be the caretaker in Scott's place.

An independent report commissioned by the council found that North's three 2015 games were worth $43.7 million in socio-economic benefits to the greater Hobart region.

North's new contract matches the five-year deal Hawthorn signed in July last year to extend its tenure in Launceston until the end of 2021.