Dear Hawks Members and Fans,
Voting for our Club’s Board positions starts tomorrow, Friday 18 November.
This is a critical time in our Club’s history.
Like you, I want our beloved Hawthorn Football Club back to its very best – that is why I am running for President.
Having played for Hawthorn and served on the Board, I am committed to giving back to our Club which has given me and us, so much. You can read my positive three-point plan at https://hawksforchange.org/andy-gowers-why-i-am-running-for-president
I fully support Bec and Sam, as we build our teams to compete for silverware. But I also know from decades of direct experience, that footy clubs perform at their best when everyone is working together, both inside and outside of the four walls.
It is clear that Hawthorn is not at its best right now. Since the start of this campaign, I have spoken to hundreds of our members and supporters and the message is clear and consistent - our members no longer feel like they are at the centre of our great Club. I will change this.
My plan will unite our Club and ensure our Members are at the heart of all our decision-making. If you elect me as President, you will hear from me and the Board, and we will ensure we listen to you. It has to work both ways and it will.
My opponent for the Presidency, the Jeff Kennett-endorsed Peter Nankivell, chaired a process to find the next President. He found himself. Members were not able to nominate for the Presidency, or Board positions at this year's election, because the Club failed to communicate both the process and the key dates. This left all of us at a significant disadvantage.
These examples of governance failures have continued for far too long. I will implement a permanent Nominations Committee that will both openly communicate and find fit and proper candidates to fill important positions. Real diversity will be central to this new approach.
Peter, as Jeff Kennett’s Vice President for the last five years and anointed successor, is campaigning on a platform of continuity. Every member knows we can’t expect real change unless we change the leadership, starting with a renewed and united Board.
Simply put, we can't live up to our Family Club values and realise our full potential, when we don’t get the off-field environment right. The challenges we face are complex and well-documented, but I know that with the right leadership, team and spirit, we can together achieve extraordinary things, as we have before.
We will rebuild important relationships at all levels of government, across the country with Hawks For Change endorsed candidate James Merlino, leveraging his extensive career as a 12 year cabinet minister and Deputy Premier.
I’m also endorsing and voting for Ed Sill, President of the Box Hill Hawks, and Maria Lui, Chair of the Hawthorn Foundation, as they have the expertise, a Club-first approach and the Family Club values that we need on the Board, and throughout the Club.
If you vote for us at this election, it will truly represent the end of the Kennett/Nankivell era. A fresh start. A new style of leadership. A positive change to build us up and bring us together.
Voting Instructions:
It is so important for all members to have your say on the future of our great Club and I strongly encourage you to vote.
Keep an eye out for two emails tomorrow, Friday 18 November:
From the Hawthorn Football Club – this will have your membership number in it - check your junk mail if you can’t find it. You will need your membership number to vote when a second email arrives from
CorpVote, the company running the election – use your membership number, and you will be given a unique number by CorpVote.
You can vote straight away and don’t forget to remind your friends and family to vote as well – every vote we receive is important. A resounding result provides a mandate for the changes we want and need.
You will find simple instructions on exactly how to vote here.
You, the members, are the reason the Hawthorn Football Club exists.
We are so grateful to everyone who has supported our campaign so far – together we can get the mighty fighting Hawks back to our best, and we can’t wait to begin.
Go Hawks!
Andy Gowers