Well friends, a lot has happened since I last wrote.

Of course, sadly I dropped you a line about Michael Gordon’s sudden death while swimming in an ocean race at Cowes.

At only 62, Michael was very fit and his passing too early by any measure.

We owe Michael and his father Harry a great vote of thanks for their work over the years in chronicling our history at Hawthorn. The Hard Way is a classic account of Hawthorn’s struggles and successes.

Michael was a regular at the club and games for many, many years and will be missed by all.

Our condolences go out to Robyn, children Scott and Sarah, and Michael’s newly arrived grandson Harry, named after Michael’s father.

His memorial service will be held this coming Friday at the MCC, Members Dining Room, and the club will be well represented on your behalf.

I said in my last letter that I would be announcing another new director would be joining our Board.

I am happy to confirm Radek Sali, a long time Hawthorn supporter and member, will be joining us and leading a new committee of the club which we have called the Dare to be Different Committee.

This aligns with our five-year strategic plan within our 2050 vision; 20 Premierships by 2050.

Radek is one out of the box. Youthful, energetic, and bursting with ideas. He was the driving force behind Swisse Wellness until it was sold to Hong Kong listed entity the H&H Group. Since then he has established many businesses, several of these under his new investment group Light Warrior.

Radek’s task will be to identify new business opportunities for Hawthorn that will generate either new revenue or capital gains for the club, or both. He will work closely with Tim Shearer our newest Board appointment until today’s announcement, given our challenge to finance our new world class training and administration facility.

The Board unanimously agreed to Tim and Radek’s appointments. We welcome them both as they start, what I hope will be, a personally rewarding period of service at Hawthorn for them and the club.

These appointments mean there will be no further changes to the Board in the short term.

Given I only have 33 months as president left, by the end of next year the Board must have decided on my replacement so he or she and I can work together for the year before I depart.

You might think such talk is a little premature but time passes quickly and we are a professional club, and succession is always one of the Board’s most important considerations.

In brighter news, I can report our coach went to the United States where he was again included in a P8 Conference with several coaches from around the world representing different codes. This is the third occasion on which Alastair has been invited to attend.

I look forward to his report to the Board, as his learnings are not just about sport but social and administrative issues confronting the operation of sporting bodies around the world.

The group meets every two years to exchange views on a whole range of subjects. Alastair’s attendance only re-enforces his standing here and abroad.

That he arrived in Minneapolis in shorts and a t-shirt to be greeted by freezing temperatures of -6 °C, does not indicate he has no feeling, just that his choice of attire is not always appropriate!

The club staged a practice game last Friday night. I could not be there, but I checked with the coach Saturday morning and he said all went well and everyone is looking forward to our first game against Collingwood on Saturday 24th March at 7.25pm.

I cannot tell you too much at this stage, but please try and make this game. We have a few things up our sleeves that you will not want to miss.

Finally, on Thursday some of our players and administrators will be visiting Katherine to conduct our Community Camp as part of our Next Generation Academy. Cyril Rioli will be among the players attending and the visit is always enthusiastically received by all in Katherine.

Working with and supporting our Indigenous men and women is one of the club’s highest priorities and our work in Katherine is just part of our commitment.

Well that is all for now. We are almost fit for purpose, on and off the field.

Stay well and safe. Don’t forget to commit to our first game against Collingwood. It will be a great night.

Jeff Kennett