The ‘Kennett Curse’ among Jeff Kennett’s most memorable moments in charge of Hawks

WITH news Jeff Kennett is back in charge of the Hawks, we thought we’d have a look back at some of the moments that have defined the reinstated Hawthorn leader.

Kennett with coach Alastair Clarkson and Chris Pelchen at the 2006 national draft.

JEFF Kennett and Hawthorn ... for a long time they were as synonymous as anything in AFL football.

The outspoken former president was a constant voice on the Hawks — and almost any footy issue — before ending his reign as Hawks boss.

But now, he’s back, and we thought it a good time to look back at Jeff’s time in charge of Hawthorn.

Mark Thompson consoles a teary Gary Ablett Jr after the 2008 grand final.

1. THE KENNETT CURSE

The story goes that after Geelong suffered an upset loss to the Hawks in the 2008 Grand Final, former Cats star Paul Chapman declared: “Let’s never lose to those so-and-sos again”, with the Cats’ players making a pledge to that effect. When Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett went on television a few months later and declared the Hawks were mentally tougher than Geelong — saying Geelong did not have the “mental drive” to match Hawthorn — after the Hawks beat the Cats in the 2008 grand final. The Cats went on to win the next 11 meetings between the two clubs, before the Alastair Clarkson’s men again won one that mattered — the 2013 preliminary final.

''Not happy Jeff''. Hawk president Jeff Kennett went to shake Clarko’s hand after this clash in 2010 ... the coach wasn’t too interested.

2. DROPPING CLARKO

After missing the finals in 2009, the year after their stunning premiership triumph, the Hawks were again under pressure early in 2010 — and the president wanted to shake things up. Kennett sent an email to members with an underlying message — Clarkson was in trouble. It read: “Reputation and goodwill have been totally used up. Everyone is on notice. No excuses accepted. The coach has put the players on notice; I have done the same with the coaches, and I expect you, the members, to do the same with me.”

Clarkson wasn’t aware Kennett had floated the extraordinary suggestion the coach should be sent back to coach the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL for a week or two.

Chief executive Stuart Fox, club great Jason Dunstall and Clarkson’s right-hand man at the time Mark Evans kept the information from Clarkson, and sought to buy the coach time in order to bring about a much-needed win.

Jeff Kennett (right) knew the Hawks were on a winner in Tassie.

3. THE TASSIE HAWKS

In 2006, Kennett helped engineer a move that saw the Hawks play up to four home matches a season on the Apple Isle. The move proved to be inspired, the Hawks not only enjoying a significant home-ground advantage but also bolstering its membership numbers as on-field success arrived.

Earlier this year, speaking on Fox Footy, Kennett reiterated the importance of the state for his club.

“One of my great worries is the AFL ... it has been trying for years to get us out of there and to put North Melbourne as the sole AFL club in Tasmania,” Kennett said.

“I can give you as much evidence as possible to support that. It will absolutely break my heart if the AFL imposes its will and its strength and forces Hawthorn out of Tasmania.”

Oooh. Not sure about the jacket, Jeff.

Jeff’s shoes. Picture: David Crosling.

4. THE FASHION

Leading by voice and leading with actions. The Hawks boss has never been shy to spruik his club’s on-field stocks — and he was only too happy to don the brown and gold. First there was THAT jacket. Probably not an ideal fashion choice for heading out to dinner but ... Jeff also acquired some custom-made wheels to match. Again, not sure the shoes are for every occasion, but when you’re cheering your club on — or celebrating another premiership — why not go all out?

5. RECHARGING THE DEES

As Melbourne’s on and off-field woes continued, the Dees found a potential — and unlikely saviour. Kennett put his hand up to lead the club, just over a year after his post at the Hawks had ended.

“My concern remains for the Melbourne Football Club and importantly for the brand Melbourne, which we all have a vested interest in,” he said at the time. “It doesn’t matter what club you support, Melbourne is the name given to our capital city. We’re all proud of our state, we’re proud of our city, we want our brand Melbourne to do well wherever it is utilised.”

Jeff Kennett at the 2011 preliminary final.

6. TIME’S UP

Feeling he was approaching his use-by date as president, Kennett announced his departure as Hawks boss in 2011. He had served his second three-year term, and believing every organisation could benefit from constant change, changed the club’s constitution so that presidents could only serve two three-year terms.

Jeff Kennett is back.

7. TIME TO GO, CLARKO?

Never one to shy away from his opinion, Kennett — now removed as Hawks president — voiced his concern about coach Alastair Clarkson after the Hawks lost their Easter Monday clash with Geelong early in 2013. The Hawks were coming off a grand final loss, and Kennett wondered aloud whether the coach’s time in charge might be up. Clarkson didn’t like it, but said he knew the former president’s stance.

“I’m not deeply offended by the comments because Jeff’s shared those views with me on countless times over the last two to three years ... that’s his views on all people with lengthy tenures,” Clarkson said.

“I didn’t take great offence to it ... the thing I would have liked the most is Jeff had have expressed them to me rather than on radio.

“I didn’t really see it as a big issue ... because I know where he stands on this stuff.”

History shows the Hawks bounced back pretty well from that early-season hiccup - going on to win the AFL premiership. And then another. And another.