HSBC has extended its sponsorship of Australian Rules Football club Hawthorn for another three years, in a deal that sees that bank remain the Tasmanian club's joint principal sponsor. HSBC will share the club's shirt sponsorship with the Tasmanian government.

"In September last year HSBC entered a new sponsorship agreement with Hawthorn, extending our partnership with the mighty Hawks for another two years," said HSBC chief executive Stuart Davis. "At the time, we thought it was a smart move. Then this year, as we watched the team move from eleventh place to fifth – we knew it was a smart move. That’s six seasons we'll have spent together. It’s been both a rewarding and an exciting partnership - and it continues to be."

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett thanked the bank for sticking with the club through a number of difficult years, and looked forward to a promising new era. "HSBC has stood by the club through some lean years and as a new promise returns to Waverley Park, we are grateful for their continued support," he said. "Like our members, strong corporate partners are an important part of our club. HSBC has shown their commitment to the Hawks and our club's fighting spirit clearly continues to make a strong impression on their business."