The architect of Daniel Andrews’ thumping election win and, until recently, Victoria’s deputy premier, James Merlino, has his sights on toppling former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett’s Hawthorn Football Club board.

Hawthorn’s election race for a president and three new board members is under way and closes next Friday, ahead of the AGM on December 13, in Mr Merlino’s second big election battle in just two weeks.