LIFE OF TRUE AFL CHARACTER

Kennett on the Hawthorn empire and future of Suns

JEFF KENNETT IS ONE OF SPORT’S MOST COLOURFUL DIRECTORS. THE FORMER VICTORIAN PREMIER AND HAWTHORN PRESIDENT, ON THE GOLD COAST AHEAD OF THE ‘GOING FOR GOLD LEGACY’ SYMPOSIUM, OPENS UP ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE HAWKS AND SUNS.

RETURN TO AFL GIANT Q You have returned to Hawthorn to take over as president after Richard Garvey’s resignation. Why did you want to come back?

A I came because my predecessor came to me and asked if I would take it on again. I appointed him when I was president of the board and I felt I had some obligation. It was very magnanimous of him to accept responsibility for what had been a failed collective board decision in selecting our previous CEO (Tracey Gaudry). They came for me and I said if I get the full support of the board I’ll do it but if there is one person that doesn’t want me I won’t come back, I don’t want to be in an argument.

Q Was it true you cancelled two of your four memberships tied to the family in the lead up to all this?

A Yes. Ten days before we got our renewal notice as members. I had one for myself, my wife and two grandchildren. They never wanted to come to the footy so I said we will cancel those two thinking what does it matter, I’m an ex-president now. Now I have to go back and buy them back again.