President Jeff Kennett has penned the following letter to members...

Good morning Happy Hawkers.

Well after four weeks of competition no team has won more games than our team. But we know how quickly things can turn around, so please one game at a time. 

A good result on Sunday, but obviously it came with some pain, with Cyril Rioli and Paul Puopolo both suffering injuries that will take some time to repair.

Good performances from Liam Shiels, Jarman Impey and Luke Breust and our Captain Jarryd Roughead who kicked four and three goals respectively.

But the highlight for me was watching David Mirra take his place on the field at the start of play. Playing his first game after years of valuable service and leadership at the Box Hill Hawks and nine years after he first nominated for the draft.

A great illustration to younger players of the value of persistence. At 27 years of age I believe he is our oldest recruit to have not previously played for another club at AFL level. 

To add to David’s celebration, his parents Michael and Maria, and his new wife of four weeks, Rachel joined us in the President’s Luncheon to watch David play his first game. Welcome aboard David and congratulations on a great first performance.

So now we focus on this weekend’s game against North Melbourne at Etihad. The coaches will have to find replacements for our fallen soldiers, but that gives opportunities to others.  

As we have always said at Hawthorn, one goes down another steps up to take his place. So, the challenge for selection is well and truly on.

Our membership continues to grow and has now passed 74,000 and is on its way to this year’s target of 80,000. I believe we are second in terms of membership, but a long way behind Richmond who have shot past 90,000 without taking a breath.

The Tigers have well and truly been aroused after 37 years and might become the first club to hit 100,000 members. If so, a remarkable effort, unless of course we at Hawthorn beat them to that magical number! 

Just a short note this week. More when I write next.

Go Hawks!

Jeff Kennett