The more Presidents like Jeff Kennett, the better

Hawthorn's Stuart Dew talks to Hawyjorn's President Jeff Kennett at the end of the AFL Women's Round 11 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Sydney Swans at the MCG. Photo Slattery Images

Once again, Jeff Kennett has unashamedly called it exactly how he sees it. The Hawthorn president apologised to members this week in the wake of his club’s embarrassing 42-point loss to the Brisbane Lions in Launceston. And he didn’t hold back.

The Hawks’ season has struggled to get off the ground and the frustrations of fans hit a crescendo with the Lions loss. Kennett wrote a letter to these fans, published on the club’s website, that reflected their sentiments.

“Even though we led at half-time, the skills and tenacity at the ball was well below what we have come to expect at Hawthorn,” he wrote. “Our passes, be they kicks or handballs, were so often badly directed. But worse, we have lost what I think was our great strength last year and the reason we won on the last Saturday of September, our teamwork.

“Yes, we have had legitimate excuses for part of our performance this year, injuries. However, that excuse is no longer a defence for the sort of game we put in against Adelaide two weeks ago, and Brisbane yesterday.

“Both were a combination of our failure to apply the appropriate skills and effort to be competitive.”

Kennett was unapologetic for being so direct in his criticism, highlighting the need for the team to lift and the importance of transparency. For going public with his thoughts, he should be commended.

Firstly, it’s great to see a president not shying away when times get tough, particularly after rejoicing in grand final glory.

Even better was the fact Kennett was able to come out and say exactly not only what was on his mind, but on the fans’ minds as well.

In a way, Kennett is like the fans’ president. He listens to his supporters, he get embarrassed when the club lets them down, he feels completely accountable to them. Better yet – in instances like this week – he gives them a voice.

The membership structure in the AFL ensures that the leaders of our clubs are not accountable solely to themselves or owners or corporations. They are instead accountable to the people that elected them – their members.

It’s odd that often presidents find themselves holding back, or being overly protective when pressed on issues within their club. Some even rarely put themselves in the public eye.

What was also admirable about Kennett’s letter was the other major part of his reasoning, the importance of transparency.

The side is 6-6 and a far cry from the premiership-winning team of last year. Injuries or no injuries, the Hawks should not be caught up in the glut of teams not bottoming out, but not declaring themselves contenders.

They are capable of more, and the message that is sent by calling out the team and the way they’ve underperformed is powerful.

There is nowhere to hide at the Hawthorn Football Club, and it’s a better club for it. This week’s letter underlines the fact mediocrity is not tolerated.

Kennett’s leadership – whilst not without its quirks and flaws – is unique and rare amongst club presidents.

It’s a fact that is, to be honest, a bit mind-boggling. Some more transparency within clubs and accountability to members would be great for the game.