Richmond and Hawthorn will play a pre-season game in north-western Tasmania next year as the AFL seeks to support the Devonport community after the tragic accident at a primary school this week. 

Five children died and several others were injured on when a wind gust caused a jumping castle at Hillcrest Primary School to fly into the air on Thursday. 

The devastating accident prompted an outpouring of grief and support from across the nation, and the AFL announced on Saturday that it would host a tribute match in the region between the Hawks and Tigers at 1.10pm AEDT on Saturday, March 5. 

The League will also host a fundraising event in the lead-up to the game. 

The Hawks will host the game against the Tigers, who have a long-standing connection to the region through champion forward Matthew Richardson and his family, who hail from Devonport. 

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said the club would do all it could to help the community. 

"Everyone has been completely heartbroken by the tragic loss of young lives in Devonport this week," Gale said.

"Nothing can make right what has happened but if in some small way we can help bring the Devonport and north-west coastal community together, then we are only too happy to help."