OUTGOING Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says Friday night's loss to Collingwood was the most shattering defeat he has felt in 25 years.
The former Victorian Premier says the three-point loss to the Magpies was a "great disappointment" and compared it to his 1985 election loss, Kennett's first poll as leader.
"I haven't felt as gutted as this since when I lost that first election when I led the Liberal Party to defeat in 1985," Kennett told SEN.
The Hawks players were similarly crushed by the loss with Kennett describing the rooms afterwards as having "the overriding sense of sheer, sheer disappointment".
"The boys knew they had the game there to win," he said.
"We had performed better, through the first three quarters, than any other game we played this year and then somehow it slipped away.
"We've got to finish what we start."
Kennett was philosophical about the defeat though, saying the Hawks were beaten by a better team.
"It was a wonderful game of football," he said.
"It wasn't bad luck. We lost it and we accept that.
"At the end of the day you have to say we blew a golden opportunity.
"Unfortunately we went down a gear when it mattered."
Kennett, who will leave the presidency on December 14 at the Hawks' AGM, said that he had very much enjoyed his time at the helm.
"It has been a great six years," Kennett said.
"I'm pleased and honoured to have been part of a great organisation."
When asked about the achievements of his administration, Kennett was modest but pointed towards the culture of the club and the positive outlook going forward.
"One player doesn't win a Grand Final, one president doesn't make a club," Kennett said.
"The culture is as strong as it's ever been. I've been very proud of the corporate group involved in the club. I just love the cheer squad last night, of their own cost, their own volition, made those little jackets that they all wore.
"We've made some wonderful investments for the future in terms of players and assets outside of the club. It has been a wonderful experience."
