Dear Hawkers,
Well, we are clearly seeing glimpses of what the future holds for our club.
Last week’s game against Carlton was a great one. Sadly, we did not get over the line and collect the four points, but we lost nothing else.
In fact, the way the team came back after a difficult first quarter was fantastic to watch.
We won three quarters but lost the first comprehensively.
That said, the team never gave up, they tackled hard and moved the ball at great speed.
We are now 2-1 from the first three games, having lost the last by a point.
Our investment in players and style of play continues, but it has been an exciting start to the year.
We now move on to the game against St Kilda on Sunday at the MCG where I hope to see as many of you as possible.
Let me address the report published in The Age newspaper on Saturday concerning Cyril Rioli and his wife Shannyn.
We were all saddened by the story that there had been incidents that had upset both he and his wife.
We have taken those claims seriously and are conducting further inquiries to see if there might have been other incidents affecting our past First Nations players.
Once those inquires have concluded, we will determine if any other action needs to be taken.
I can assure you that the Board and the administration will not shirk our responsibility to work through these matters.
Some will demand immediate answers and actions, but, given how important these matters are, the best response is a measured and responsible one.
We will firstly seek to establish the facts, before working through the best way of responding to the matters that require addressing.
Matters have been brought to our attention. We are taking them seriously, and any failings will be addressed.
Can I finally say on this matter: we all want Cyril back with us at Hawthorn. I hope that we can work through the hurt he feels and make him feel welcome and safe in the brown and gold family again.
Go Hawks!
Jeff Kennett
President
Hawthorn Football Club
