Hawthorn legend Don Scott nominates for election to Hawks’ board

After saving the club from a merger with Melbourne in the 1990s, a Hawthorn legend has re-emerged to make a run for a spot on the board following the end of the damaging racism saga.

Hawthorn legend Don Scott is making a run for the Hawks’ board.

The Team of the Century ruckman, credited with saving the club from a merger with Melbourne in 1996, has nominated as a candidate in the upcoming directors election.

Scott, 76, said he wanted to help the Hawks in the wake of the damaging racism scandal.

“I have had a near 60-year involvement with the club, which I am extremely passionate about,” he said.

Scott played a key role in saving the Hawks from a 90s merger.

“I wish to see sustained success for now and the future with a focus on accountable, open and transparent governance across the whole football club.

“As a Hawthorn person I find the current direction and on-field success exciting, with the future looking prosperous … and I have the skills that could assist.

“I can bring a direct, practical and assertive view to the board.”

Current Hawks directors Ian Silk and Tim Shearer are also seeking re-election with two seats to be contested by three candidates, including Scott.

Two other candidates chose not to run after meeting with the club’s nomination committee.

Scott, a 302-game great who played in three premierships, chose not to be interviewed by the panel.

In an email to members, Hawthorn president Andy Gowers said: “As a club, we welcome any member who is prepared to put their hand up to serve the club. When a club Legend such as Don is prepared to, naturally we are interested in his views.

Scott says he wants to help further the Hawks’ rise. Picture: Nicki Connolly

“I have had some brief discussions with Don, but he has not accepted my offer of an in person meeting to discuss any issues he has with the club.

“It is of course Don’s right to nominate but, based on the outcome of the formal nominations committee process that has been followed, which Don declined to participate in, the board strongly endorses Tim Shearer and Ian Silk for the two director positions.”

Voting in the Hawthorn board election opens next week.

The results of the poll will be unveiled at the club’s annual general meeting at Waverley on December 12.

The Hawks brought an end to the racism saga on Wednesday after reaching an undisclosed settlement with lawyers for the Indigenous complainants.

It is unclear whether further payments will be made by the club to cover the legal expenses of former Hawks officials Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt.