It is a good morning, we have all woken up ready to face a new day.
Football brings out every emotion in us in the course of a year: lows, highs, anger, frustration and from time-to-time the most wonderful jubilation.
I can only imagine the emotion you felt after our loss on Saturday night, as I suspect I was experiencing the same, as was the Board, coaches and playing group.
As your President, the buck stops with me. Please let me apologise to you all for our dismal performance over the last three weeks.
It is simply unacceptable and we all have to address the various issues quickly, if for no other reason than to win back some self respect.
We offer no excuses for lack of skills, endeavour and simple ticker by many at the Club.
After our success in 2008, there were great expectations of our Club. I shared those dreams, but injuries quickly turned 2009 into a frustrating and non-competitive year.
2010 commenced after a wonderful pre-season, a not very impressive Pre-season Cup competition (but that worries me not), and then a good win in the opening round against Melbourne.
In Round 2 I thought we put in a great effort against Geelong, but we took our foot off the accelerator in the last quarter and lost by a few points.
In Round 3, again we showed great endeavour, but were clearly overridden by the better team Western Bulldogs on the day, but again not much in the final result.
In Round 4, we faced Collingwood. This is where we seem to have lost the will to play with the 'mojo' for which we have become associated.
Then in Round 5 and 6 against North Melbourne and Essendon our skills and endeavour were totally unacceptable.
So we find ourselves 1-5. The expectation of Hawthorn as a premiership team is misplaced.
We are a struggling Club in the bottom four of the ladder.
Reputations and goodwill have been totally used up. Everyone is on notice. No excuses accepted.
Having said that, we will stick together to address the issues.
The coach has put the players on notice, I have done the same with the coaches, and I expect you, the members, to do the same of me.
Are we good enough to finish the year with our heads held high? I believe so. But a lot has to change as of now.
Finally, while we have disappointed on the field, every other department at the Club is doing so well this year.
In particular, with your support our Membership department has created another record, with Hawthorn being the first club in VFL/AFL history to record more than 50,000 members in successive years.
We have over 8,000 members in Tassie alone, which is a superb achievement so thank you Tasmanians. And our merchandise and commercial divisions are at the top of the table. So your Club is healthy, growing and happy, but our on-field performance has to be corrected.
Next week we head to WA to play the Eagles. I hope as most members will be watching the game on television, that at the end on the game you will be able to raise your glass and salute the team that are winners again.
Stay well, go Hawks, and let's stick together as we address the challenges that are AFL football.
Jeff Kennett
Your still very proud and passionate President
