Obviously there was a lot of comment here and on the Gold Coast about the number of players that were rested from this game. But can I remind you all that the first priority of any coach is to best prepare his personnel for the finals.
With only a six day turnaround between Saturday’s game against the Suns and our encounter with Geelong this Friday night, the coach had no other responsible alternative than to take the decision he did, regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s game. And it easily could have gone against Hawthorn and in favour of the Suns, but it did not, and thankfully we won by nine points.
We finish the year with 18 wins and four losses, not a bad result!
In fact, I cannot remember a better win/loss record in the last two decades, so well done to the coaching staff and playing group.
But now the real competition starts, that for the 2011 premiership.
All that has occurred to-date has been nothing more than earning the right to compete over the next four weeks.
So the caravan travels to the MCG next Friday night where we compete against Geelong. I know I do not have to ask you, for I know you will all be there. Fired up, decked in the mighty brown and gold, and voices well prepared to assist our boys do what we expect of them.
There is nothing more I can say, playing in finals is what we exist for; winning premierships is our goal.
A couple of observations if I may.
Saturday was my first visit to Metricom Stadium on the Gold Coast. I, with directors Martin Ralston, Richard Garvey and our CEO Stuart Fox were very impressed with the new stadium. It holds about 25,000 patrons and has been designed with the interests of the members and supporters to the fore. It is very obviously a modern stadium has that some wonderfully innovative areas.
There is a room that allows a class of members to view the players warm-up area from behind one way glass that not only provides full catering services but also individual seating for 150 people right behind the coaches box, a wonderful football experience.
The official luncheon area is for about 200 guests, but there is an adjacent area for 800 members with full food services, a pay bar and again seating. This lounge has music provided at the end of the match.
The playing surface is good and will only improve over time. The whole environment of this wonderfully designed stadium is an example of what can be provided for a regional stadium.
If you ever get the opportunity to attend one of our games on the Gold Coast in the future I recommend you do, and many of our supporters made the trip this weekend.
Just finally on the Gold Coast Suns, it was wonderful to see the enthusiasm that was clearly evident among the Suns’ board, administration and supporters. It was palpable. The Suns are professionally led, and I am sure building a football team that is going to develop very quickly on this their first season.
I wish them well in the future and thank them for their hospitality on Saturday.
In the main, it is the footballers who make the competition. It is they who add the colour and excitement; it is they who are watched by the supporters each week.
In today’s game it is the Judds, Abletts, Hodges, Franklins and Riolis. On Saturday one of those characters of the game retired, Barry Hall. Not only has he been a premiership player with the Sydney Swans, he has been a colourful participant within the code. We will miss him, and I wish him well with his future endeavors.
Every player’s playing career must come to an end at some time. Better to pick that time as Barry has than allow others to select it for you. Each year players are disappointed when they are delisted, understandable, but can I suggest, every player selected has been fortunate to have played the game, and to have been part of a club.
When the time comes to change careers, those players should look back with pride on what they have achieved, and not dwell on the past, but look forward to the opportunities of the future. Life is short, and none of us can regain or re-live what has gone before.
For we at Hawthorn, it is not about last week’s game against the Suns, it is all about this week against Geelong.
Go Hawks, see you at the 'G.
Jeff Kennett
President
