RICHARD Garvey, Hawthorn's new president, joined Hawks fans for a Q&A session on Facebook on Thursday afternoon.
Here's what he had to say.
Q: What's your leadership style? - Bruce
A: Hi Bruce, I would describe my leadership style as consultative and strong around communication. I am a strong believer in letting our CEO and his management team run our club, with guidance and support from the Board.
Q: How much of Andrew's previous work is to be continued and what may need to be completed? - Gary
A: Hi Gary, much of Andrew's work is embodied in our 2013-2017 strategic plan. It is our intention to continue on the same path in the future, so you should not expect major changes from Andrew's previous work.
Q: What does 2016 hold in store for our mighty Hawks?- Richard
A: Hi Richard, we look forward to the year with confidence and the players are completing another great pre-season. But we know it's going to be an incredibly competitive year. Our focus is on doing well early in the season as a platform for a top four finish at the end of the home-and-away games.
Q: How integral to the financial viability of the club is revenues from gaming venues? - Heath
A: Hi Heath, our commercial venues are really important to the club's finances. We are extremely conscious of our obligations to run these in a responsible manner. In addition, Sam Mitchell plays an important role as a Bet Regret ambassador.
Q: Hawthorn doesn't struggle to sell memberships, but does struggle to get those members to attend games, what is being done to prevent the large amount of empty seats in our member reserves? - Leigh
A: Hi Leigh, we're really conscious of our member no-shows. We're trying to improve the match day experience for our members and fans. We would love to see as many Hawks fans there as possible.
Q: With most families doing it tough, is there going to be any move by the Club to reduce the costs of memberships? - Roberto
A: Hi Roberto, we're very conscious of membership prices and the effect on families. However we still believe our membership prices represent good value for money, especially compared to other AFL clubs and other entertainment options. Our challenge is to balance the pricing with the financial and commercial needs of our club.
Q: I live in the outer north eastern suburbs and there are heaps of Hawks fans and members (including me!) out here. It would be great if the club could have some presence in this area; what, if any, plans might be in place? - Charmaine
A: Thanks Charmaine, I'll pass your feedback onto our community and membership teams.
Q: Hi Richard, what are your thoughts on the long term deal the club has with Tasmania? Will you look to continue it beyond the next term? - Mersim
A: Hi Mersim, we are incredibly proud of and committed to our relationship with Tasmania, which has now been extended for another five years (until 2021). We will do everything we can to extend this deal when the time comes, noting that it will have been 20 years since we first played games in Launceston.
Q: Hi Richard, is it true we are really moving to Dingley so we can build a bigger trophy cabinet? - Steven
A: Hi Steven, appreciate the humour in your question! Our move to Dingley is truly based on a desire to continue to be leaders in the AFL. The facility, when completed, will be a place for our supporters to engage more fully with the club as well as a flagship training and administration centre. I should point out that there is still much work to be done with the Dingley project. We have until November 30th this year to complete our due diligence on the site and this includes planning, environmental and financial elements. The club is incredibly conscious that we do not want to over-commit ourselves financially or commercially by rushing the project, so the timeline for completion is still very much a work in progress.
Q: Richard, you indicated you were not a life-long Hawk but came to the club after working for it. Who did you barrack for originally? - Richard
A: Hi Richard, I confess that I was a long-time Essendon supporter and my road to Damascus experience happened in early 2011 after I joined the Hawthorn Board. I can also advise that I have two sons, the younger one (now in his 30s) who has always been a Hawk. His mother and I spent many hours driving him to games and training.
