NORTH Melbourne is expected to announce it has clinched a new five-year deal to play in Hobart before 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 Hobart. 

The AFL is also expected to confirm this week the Roos have been allocated Tasmania as a 'next generation' academy zone, giving them access to work with local youngsters from diverse and indigenous backgrounds, as AFL.com.au forecast in February. 

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 AFL game in Tasmania this round, a clash that is on track to be a sell-out.

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.

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.

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.