Hawthorn Football Club is thrilled to welcome Nick Holland back into the brown and gold fold, with the former Hawks player accepting the newly established role of GM-Legal, Risk & Integrity.

Holland played 179 games and booted 239 goals for the Hawks between 1994 and 2005, winning the club’s best and fairest award in 2000.

Since hanging up the boots, Holland has undertaken a successful career in the field of law, backed by dual degrees in law and science.

His impressive resume includes roles practicing law at Holding Redlich and Paul Horvath Solicitors, as well as sports governance and integrity experience at the likes of Athletics Australia and the Australian Sports Commission.

Holland’s most recent position was CEO of the E.J Whitten Foundation.

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves says the club is thrilled to have someone of Holland’s calibre and experience joining its professional ranks.

“Not only is Nick a fantastic, loyal Hawthorn person, but he also brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in the legal, risk and integrity sectors,” Reeves said.

“This is an important position for the club, as it will allow us to bring some of our legal work in house and ensure we have a key executive focused on managing and mitigating risk and integrity, particularly as we navigate the impacts of the global pandemic. 

“It's a great credit to Nick that he went through a robust recruitment process where he emerged as the best credentialed candidate.

“At Hawthorn, good governance is paramount. It is so important that we have meticulous processes in place to ensure we are well placed for future success both on and off the field, and Nick’s expertise will play a central role in this.