Andy Gowers is a former Hawthorn premiership player, board member and football director during the club’s most recent run of on-field success.

Andy took the field in 89 senior games for the Hawks between 1988 and 1994, the highlight of which was performing a key role in our Club’s 1991 Grand Final triumph. He was a vital member of the team in that premiership season, especially in September when driving the run from half back and down the Waverley Park wing in his distinctive long-sleeved jumper.

Returning to the club as a board member, Andy was appointed football director at the end of the 2013 season and was in that role when Hawthorn completed their famous three peat of flags in 2014 and 2015. He remained on the Board until 2017.

As a player, Andy was traded to Brisbane where he played a further five rewarding seasons with the Bears and Lions, adding five finals to his six at Glenferrie Oval. He went back to local footy after finishing in the AFL, a period that saw him captain a winning Victorian VAFA team in 2000 and win a premiership with the Old Xaverians.

Upon completing his career on the field, Andy jumped into a series of different roles to continue his lifelong association with the game, as a coach and committee member for various senior and junior clubs, as his kids made their own way through the ranks.

Andy’s enduring dedication to the Hawks led to his invitation to join the club’s inaugural Nominations Committee to identify and recommend Jeff Kennett’s successor.

Outside football, Andy is a successful business owner, leading his own financial planning, wealth management firm (recently sold) and now a succession planning consultancy, working to help others achieve their goals. He also spent ten years on radio and TV covering both AFL and rugby league.

Andy also devotes his time to charitable and volunteer work including as Ambassador of the Amy Gillett Foundation and previously as an advisor to the marketing committee of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation.

Andy has formal qualifications in Business (Marketing) and Financial Services and also attended the AICD’s 5 day intensive company directors course in 2017.

On the personal front, Andy is the middle of three consecutive generations to play VFL/AFL footy. He is a father to three adult children and grandfather to Stella. He is a passionate and regular road cyclist and enjoys playing pennant golf at Lonsdale Links (where he also sits on the membership and marketing committee), and a member of the Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

Football involvement

VFL/AFL:

• Hawthorn – 89 senior games, 1991 premiership player, six finals (1988–1994)

• Brisbane Bears/Lions – 51 senior games, five finals (1995-1999)

• Hawthorn – shadow Director of Football (2013), Director of Football (2014-2017)

• Hawthorn – member nominations committee (2022)

Local football:

• Old Xaverians – Victorian Amateur Football Association committee member (2013)

• Old Xaverians – Victorian Amateur Football Association senior coach (2011-2012)

• Old Xaverians – Victorian Amateur Football Association assistant coach (2008-2010)

• VAFA Victoria (vs South Australia) – Captain of winning side (2000), team member (2001), selector (2001-2003)

• Kew Comets Junior FC – runner, trainer, assistant coach, coach (2002-2007)

• Old Xaverians – A grade premiership player (2000), player (2001)

• Old Xaverians – VAFA U19 premiership player (1987)

• Xavier College 1st XVIII – won 2 Associated Public Schools premierships (1986 and 1987) Captain (1987)

• Xavier College 1st XVIII – won Herald Shield Premiership (1986)