On Wednesday, it was announced that Jeff Kennett would begin a second stint as Hawthorn President, after previously serving in the role from 2005 to 2011.
Here is a history of Kennett’s time with the Hawks:
2005
In December, it was announced that Kennett would take over the presidency of Hawthorn, succeeding Ian Dicker who served for nine years from 1996 to 2004.
2006
After St Kilda finished an agreement that saw them host two games per year at York Park in Launceston, Kennett was quick to jump at the opportunity to replace the Saints’ Tasmanian presence. He successfully negotiated a major sponsorship deal with the Tasmanian government that would see the Hawks play four home games at the venue each season. The deal is retrospectively regarded as delivering the club its strong financial foundation while also offering an invaluable home-ground advantage on-field.
2007
Kennett delivered a five-year business plan for Hawthorn known as “five2fifty”. The plan strived to deliver two premierships and reach 50,000 members over the next five years.
Hawthorn played finals for the first time in six years.
Kennett introduced his famous brown and gold blazer to the world.
2008
Hawthorn wins its 10th premiership, breaking a 17-year drought, defeating Geelong by 26 points.
Kennett changes the club constitution, limiting Presidents to be able to serve just two three-year terms at a time.
2009
Ahead of the Grand Final replay season opener, Kennett said Geelong doesn't have "the quality of some of our players, they don’t have the psychological drive we have”. These comments are considered to have sparked an 11-game losing streak to the Cats, famously known as the “Kennett Curse”.
2010
Kennett puts the foot down after the club wins just one game from its opening seven games. In an email to members, he writes “reputation and goodwill have been totally used up. Everyone is on notice. No excuses accepted.”
2011
Kennett steps down as President at the end of his second three-year term. Andrew Newbold takes over the position.
It is widely accepted that Kennett's work behind the scenes between 2005 and 2011 helped the club to its ensuing success; the Hawks reached the next four grand finals and won three.
2017
Kennett returns as President of the club following the resignation of Richard Garvey.
