But September has arrived and the real effort begins. To this date in real terms we have only beaten eight other teams in the competition.
From this Friday night the real contest begins. There is no time for errors or experimentation for the next month we will see whether everything we have worked so hard to achieve, on and off the field can come together.
There is no prize for second, no silver medals. There is only one premiership cup and flag to be awarded. We cannot influence anything that happened yesterday or before, but we can influence the results over the next four weeks.
As I have said so many times this year, it is time for us to make our own history.
Congratulations to Lance Franklin on becoming the first Hawthorn player since the great Jason Dunstall in 1996 to kick 100 goals, the first player to kick 100 goals in the home and away season since Tony Lockett in 1998 and the first to kick 100 since Fraser Gehrig in 2004. Lance did make history though by becoming the first indigenous player to reach the milestone.
But do not forget, Buddy could not have achieved that milestone without his colleagues kicking the ball to him.
So well done team, take a bow.
Now let the real season begin. See you all during the finals and please remember to wear plenty of brown and gold to each game you attend. And if possible take your scarf so we can wave it after every goal kicked.
Stay well
Jeff Kennett
President
