CHANGING LANDSCAPES

Q

What are the challenges that Hawthorn face now compared to when you were last president between 2005 and 2011?

A

When I started in 2005 we had 28,000 members, we were broke and had trouble with sponsors. Today I inherit a club that is financially very strong, we have good administrators and a good football department. My challenges are to continue the good governance and ensure the board can support the football department. Then to make sure we start getting our new facility built and to resolve with the AFL their dispute with us being in Tasmania.

Q

You helped get four Hawks games in Tasmania since 2006, why is it important you remain?

A

It’s not just because we play football there and have about 9000 members. We get a sponsorship from them of $3 million every year and we spend a $1 million back in the state. We also bring in about $50 million in economic activity. Take that out it will destroy economic activity and employment and destroy confidence.