Hawthorn Football Club wishes to advise that its Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 12 December 2023.

This year, current director Owen Wilson, who chairs the People and Culture Committee is seeking re-election. Meanwhile, the Football Director, Luke McCabe is seeking endorsement from the members after being appointed by the Board via a causal vacancy earlier in the year.

There is also a vacancy on the Board, with current Board member Luke Stambolis deciding not to seek re-election due to increasing work commitments. Importantly, Luke will continue to play a key role in chairing the Kennedy Community Centre Sub-Committee to oversee the delivery of the new facility.

It is important to note that nominations will open for director vacancies on Monday 18 September and close on Thursday 19 October, with the voting process (if required) to be held between Tuesday 21 November and Sunday 10 December.

As has been practice, the Board will inform the members of its endorsed candidate ahead of the voting period, alongside the two incumbent director candidates who are seeking re-election.

As occurred with the appointment of Luke McCabe earlier this year, to assist in determining the Board endorsed candidate for the vacancy, a Nominations Committee comprising both Board members and independent members will be convened ahead of the Annual General Meeting.

The Committee is responsible for identifying and assessing new candidates who wish to apply to be a Board endorsed candidate. The Committee will evaluate candidates having regard to the skills required by the Board, as well as gender and diversity considerations. They may also interview some candidates if necessary.

The Nominations Committee comprises the following members:

  • Katie Hudson (Chair) – Hawthorn Vice President
  • Ian Silk – Hawthorn Director
  • Geoff Harris – former Hawthorn Vice President
  • Lucinda Nolan – former Hawthorn Director
  • Merryl Dooley – Chief People and Culture Officer, Bapcor Ltd
  • Chris Langford – former Hawthorn Captain, former AFL Commissioner

Nominations are due by Thursday 19 October 2023 and should be supported by at least two members of three plus years. Nominations can be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer at ceo@hawthornfc.com.au.

Election protocols

  • All candidates will be afforded the opportunity to provide a 250-word statement and picture which will be published on the club’s website. Beyond this publication, no club resources or staff in their official employment capacity may be utilised for the promotion of any candidate.
  • The photo size and resolution will be consistent among the candidates and the positioning of candidates on the ballot form will be determined by a computer-generated draw.
  • The membership database held by the club cannot be used or provided to any candidate.
  • Prior to the commencement of voting the Board will on one occasion, using club channels, announce its endorsed candidates.