Hawthorn president Andy Gowers’ peace summit addresses key issues at Hawthorn

Hawthorn’s mantra as “The Family Club” was questioned at a peace summit to address the issues at the Hawks, where a club legend walked out over concerns over the leadership at the top.

MELBOURNE, JANUARY 17, 2023: It is believed the wrong chemicals have gotten onto the field at Waverley Park and it's caused Hawthorn to shift their training. Picture: Mark Stewart

Hawthorn’s famous “The Family Club” mantra was questioned at a club “peace summit” where key powerbrokers had hoped to unify after years of division.

The meeting was the brainchild of new club president Andy Gowers, who had made the consultation a key priority upon assuming his top role.

As the club reels from two heavy losses and continues to come under fire for its handling of its racism report, club figures gathered at Waverley Park in the planned congregation last Thursday night in the hope divided groups could come together to “heal”.

But further turbulence rumbled as the Hawks’ governance was questioned and the use of its long-time moniker as “The Family Club” was raised.

Abandoning the tagline will not be considered by the club, but the Hawks’ use of the term did come under question in regard to what a “family” represents in 2023.

Key member groups including Hawks Pride – an inclusive LGBTIQ supporter group – were in attendance.

New president Andy Gowers had hoped to unify the leaders of the club at the summit. Picture: Jason Edwards

Triple-premiership club great Don Scott also left the meeting over the state of the club and its leadership.

Scott wanted answers in relation to the club’s governance given many of those still in place on the board were at the helm at the time that explosive allegations regarding the club’s treatment of First Nations players are claimed to have occurred.

The meeting was attended by AFL and AFL Women’s senior coaches Sam Mitchell and Bec Goddard, representatives of key supporter groups and coterie members.

New club president Andy Gowers committed to the meeting when he was elected to the top job late last year, with the groups coming together last Thursday night at Waverley Park.

In December, Gowers said that holding the summit “early in the new year to share opinions and ideas so we can unify as one”.

Hawks legend Don Scott. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Hawthorn AFLW coach Bec Goddard. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“When I decided to put up my hand to be president of our club, it was because I could see Hawthorn’s board and leadership were out of touch with members. I jotted down what I would change if elected and the first word was ‘unity’,” Gowers said in a statement released on Sunday.

“It’s clear to me that the club needs leadership if we are to come together and be united.

“That’s why, if elected president, my first priority will be to hold a summit of Hawthorn people; past players, club legends, coaches, coterie leaders, administrators, directors, and members – including interstate.

“It’s time to unify our club and heal the divisions that have emerged over the past five years.

“We are the family club at Hawthorn. Most families have arguments, and they work it out and move forward. That will be my first act, if elected president.”