Incoming Hawks boss reveals Tassie team twist

Hawthorn’s next president has revealed his thoughts on a stand-alone Tasmanian AFL team, signalling a massive change of tune from the Hawks camp. WHAT HE THINKS >>

INCOMING Hawthorn president Peter Nankivell says he would support a new team in Tasmania and bring a different style of leadership to outgoing boss Jeff Kennett.

The AFL wants to hand Tasmania a 19th licence but will rely on a yes vote from the majority of presidents including Hawthorn and North Melbourne, who have commercial deals to play home games in the Apple Isle.

Kennett, along with Collingwood president Jeff Browne, Gold Coast boss Tony Cochrane and Sydney chairman Andrew Pridham have been vocal opponents of expansion and a Tasmanian stand-alone team ahead of the August vote, with the Hawks president calling for the state to double its proposed annual contribution to the new team from $10m to $20m a season.

Nankivell, who will take over from Kennett at the end of the year after recently changing his mind on the job, said Hawthorn would back the Tassie bid, if the deal worked.

Jeff Kennett, Outgoing President of the Hawthorn Football Club and former Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein watch on from the stands during the 2022 AFL Community Series match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Richmond Tigers at Devonport Oval on March 5, 2022 In Devonport, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“We have been down there for 22 years and we have got almost 10,000 loyal members and we consider ourselves part of the Tasmanian communities that we frequent,” Nankivell said.

“If decisions are made where a Tasmanian team receives a licence, we will be entirely supportive of that.

“I would like to think our actions will meet those commitments, and that is absolute.”

Nankivell said Hawthorn’s vote on a Tasmanian team would be taken out of Kennett’s hands and would be made by the board.

“I think you’ll find that one will definitely be back to the board and we’ll be making our decision as a board and Jeff will be communicating that,” he said on SEN radio.

“Jeff’s very passionate about Tasmania and has over a long period of time made public comment but when it comes to this particular decision we’ll be evaluating all of the same material that is put in front of the presidents and forming our view.

“I should say – and I’m not anticipating any position here – but Tasmania has been incredible for the Hawthorn Football Club.

Incoming Hawthorn president Peter Nankivell. Picture: Supplied

“We’ve been down there 22 years and have built up a significant role in the community.

“We are extremely proud of that and we as a club – as of any club – really understand in particular part of Tasmania the passion for the game.

“If there was to be a 19th licence issued or a Tasmanian team, expect the Hawks to be supportive of whatever that looks like.

“We owe that to the people of Tasmania.”

The Hawks receive more than $5m a year through sponsorship and the state buying four Hawthorn home games to be played in Launceston.

The Hawks next president said he would like to see the current deal (which expires at the end of this season) continued if Tasmania missed out on the licence.

Nankivell initially did not want to pursue the Hawks’ presidency but back flipped on the call after the nominations committee – which he headed up – failed to identify a suitable candidate.

Director Ian Silk was initially favoured for the job, but the KPMG consultant did not put his hand up.

Nankivell, 59, said his priorities were to engage and grow Hawthorn’s 77,000-strong membership base, foster successful men’s and women’s football programs, and deliver a new club headquarters in Dingley at the end of 2023.

The highly-successful commercial lawyer from Thomson Greer, who has been a board member since 2014 and a lifelong Hawthorn fan, said the club also wanted to mend its relationship with premiership hero Cyril Rioli.

Incoming Hawthorn president Peter Nankivell hopes the Hawks can mend its relationship with premiership hero Cyril Rioli (Pictured). (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The father-of-three said he was thrilled and excited to take over the reins after recent talks with his family, but would not lead the brown and gold in the same manner as Kennett.

“It (leadership style) is different to Jeff’s. I am, by nature, more consensus-oriented,” Nankivell.

“I have made a living over 35 years as a lawyer and you have to be able to put yourself into the shoes of the other side when you are trying to get an outcome.

“But at the same time you have to be able to make tough calls, so it will be a consensus-style (of leadership) designed to drive the board to deliver the best they can offer the club.”

Originally published as Incoming Hawks boss reveals Tassie team twist