Hawthorn AGM: Jeff Kennett unapologetic for criticising Premier Daniel Andrews even if it costs club funding for Dingley project

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett was forced to explain his repeated condemnation of Daniel Andrews at the club’s AGM after backlash from members.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has again refused to be silenced over his ongoing criticism of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews which has cost the club crucial funding for its new $100 million headquarters.

Kennett was forced to defend his stance at the club’s annual general meeting where he was accused of having a conflict of interest.

The Hawks have received $15 million in federal government funding for the Dingley project, which will begin next year, but nothing from the Andrews government.

Kennett, who was re-elected for another three years as president at the meeting, said he made no apology for criticising Andrews over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria.

“Can I say I have never been silent for good or for worse or for better and I have been very perturbed about what has happened over the last year in terms of the loss of life, the loss of business opportunities and the loss of security for so many families,” Kennett said.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett at the announcement of the club’s new facilities at Dingley, which received a $15 million injection from the federal government. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“I can understand many of you hold different views and I can appreciate that but I don’t see it as a conflict.

“I think you always want your leaders to be able to speak freely and to be able to speak openly for people to engage in debate where they see necessary but at the end of the day community is more important than money.

“For those who therefore say my comments may have cost the club support of the state government, if that is the case then so be it.

“Lives lost, jobs lost, businesses lost is a lot more important to me than necessarily a handful of silver.

“I make no apology but I don’t walk away from the letters and questions some of you asked.”

Kennett has been vocal in his criticism of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Alex Coppel

Kennett also defended the club’s continued involvement with poker machines which flies in the face of most AFL clubs who are getting out of the gambling business.

He explained how the coronavirus pandemic had resulted in the sale of the Caroline Springs facility falling through and that it was no longer financially viable to go forward with the sale.

“We have no alternative but to rebuild that asset,” Kennett said.

He explained how the Hawks were one of only six clubs who didn’t receive assistance from the AFL and to remain that way they needed the gaming revenue.

The club’s future in Tasmania is also still up in the air with its contract to play games there running out next year.