Dear members,
I hope you and your families are coping with the challenges of the current environment.
Unfortunately, since I last wrote we still do not have confirmation of a return to play date, however I remain hopeful an update will be provided from the AFL next month.
With a lot of speculation in the media over the past week, I wanted to write to you to provide an update on the information we currently have.
As we have always indicated, the safety and wellbeing of our players, staff and the wider community is our key priority.
While there is growing optimism that the Government may relax some restrictions, we know that the situation is evolving daily and we must continue to plan for all possible outcomes. The industry will need to continue to be flexible and agile and the season may not end as it starts, depending on changes to restrictions across the states.
The AFL remains optimistic that the remaining 144 games plus finals will still be completed this year.
It is important that we all play our role in Australia in flattening the curve. If we can continue to achieve that, then hopefully we can see a return to football in some capacity.
There are several boxes that any return to play model would need to tick; including health and safety first and foremost, integrity, broadcast and match infrastructure. It is not an easy process for the AFL, however the support of State and Territory Governments to date has been outstanding as the industry moves to identify the best options.
Obviously, it will be integral that our club and the entire industry have the right mental and emotional health support, as well as physical support, for all people involved as we move forward with the season. Our players and staff have been fantastic, but we also know this is not a normal situation for them or their families or anyone in our game, including our supporters.
Despite all the uncertainty what has been unwavering, is the support of you, our members.
For those of our family who may be experiencing financial hardship during these times I encourage you to please contact the club. Likewise, if you have any concerns or queries regarding your membership, our membership team remain on hand to take your calls and answer your questions.
This week we launched the ‘One for All, All for One’ campaign to our family. The campaign was created in response to the overwhelming number of requests from members for avenues to not only support the club, but to support one another.
The response to the campaign has been astounding and exemplifies just why we are known as the Family Club.
We had an incredible uptake of our Pay it Forward fund. A fund where those who are able, can contribute financially to support the club and fellow members who are experiencing hardship during these times. Whether it is covering the cost of a membership for a fellow member, bringing joy to those of our family who may be struggling in these times or supporting Hawthorn’s community programs, all Pay it Forward donations will ensure Hawthorn continues to thrive. All donations to the program over $2 are also 100% tax deductible.
Again, thank you. Thank you for your unwavering support of our football club. Thank you for your astonishing support of one another and thank you for reaffirming Hawthorn’s standing as the Family Club. I am constantly amazed by how our Hawthorn community sticks together and the amazing things we accomplish when we do.
Please stay safe and rest assured as soon as we have any updates regarding the recommencement of the 2020 season or any other important information, we will be in touch.
Today, I am as proud as ever to be brown and gold and you should be too.
Stay safe,
Justin Reeves
It is understandable that some people are experiencing feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and concern associated with the current COVID-19 situation. For mental health and wellbeing information, visit Beyond Blue.
