The Hawthorn Australian Football Club will host the New Zealand Falcons during the 2008 International Cup campaign in August and September later this year.

Details were confirmed by Hawthorns General Manager of Membership and Community Greg Cook early last week.

The NZAFL is delighted with the opportunity to be associated with not only an AFL club but the one that sits currently on top of the AFL ladder.

The New Zealand Falcons will make use of the state of the art training facilities at Hawthorns base at Waverley Park in Melbourne Eastern Suburbs. The opportunity to be coached by members of Hawthorns playing list will be a highlight for squad members.

The hospitality provided by Hawthorn will only build momentum in the Falcons target of becoming the first nation to win back to back victories.

Ties with the AFL club take on even a greater significance with Hawthorns marquis player, New Zealand born Trent Croad another strong reason why the relationship should develop.

The Falcons will have the opportunity to watch the Hawks play against Carlton at the Telstra dome on Saturday August 30th and will also have the opportunity to watch Hawthorns feeder club the Box Hill Hawks in action on their first day in Melbourne a week earlier.