Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has been asked stay on and guide Hawthorn through the coronavirus crisis

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett had planned to quit football at the end of this year. But after being approached about staying, could he extend his tenure beyond 2020? He reveals how he feels about the propositon.

Jeff Kennett has been approached to extend his tenure. Picture: Getty

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has been approached to extend his tenure beyond this year but admits it will take “a fair amount of persuasion” for him to change his mind.

Kennett was intending to walk away from football – and his second coming as Hawks boss – in October but the coronavirus crisis has prompted calls for him to stay on and lead the rebuild.

The former Victorian premier is also a member of the AFL’s “war cabinet” charged with overseeing the competition’s recovery from its greatest challenge.

“I have been approached (to stay on) but I have said clearly that it has always been my intention to do three years,” Kennett told the Herald Sun.

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Jeff Kennett has been approached to extend his tenure. Picture: Getty

“We will see what happens as this season unfolds and it will take a fair amount of persuasion to have me change that position.

“I came in to do a job and I consider I have done that job with my board.

“Obviously we didn’t anticipate coronavirus and the effect it’s having, so no, I have not changed my view at this stage.

“Whether there will be a necessity to reconsider closer to the AGM or not, time will tell.”

Asked if the door was ajar for him to remain at the helm in 2021, Kennett said: “I think that’s going a bit too far. At the very best you could say that someone might be fudging with the key in the lock at the moment.”

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Originally published as Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has been asked stay on and guide Hawthorn through the coronavirus crisis