MELBOURNE chairman Paul Gardner has used his match day address to reemphasise his club will not consider taking on Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett's suggestion it should relocate to the Gold Coast in order to become financially viable.
Gardner, after welcoming his "friends from the Tasmania Hawks" to the Demons-hosted lunch at the MCG on Sunday afternoon ahead of the Melbourne-Hawthorn clash, again assured supporters the famous club will not be moving north.
"Let me assure all Melbourne supporters that Mr Kennett's views are purely his own, and he is more than entitled to them and I welcome any comment from any person who thinks they can make the Melbourne football club a better place," Gardner said.
"They do not however, in any way, shape or form, reflect the views of the Melbourne board, the views of the Melbourne football club, the AFL, or in fact any other chairman or president that I have spoken to.
"There has never been any discussion at any time, with any partner, about the Melbourne football club relocating to anywhere except to the new rectangular stadium due for completion in 2010."
Gardner couldn't help but fire back a gentle gibe at the Hawks' president, who was in attendance at the lunch, following his explosive comments that dominated football news after a charity dinner held last Thursday night.
"I must be honest and say that I wasn't sure if I was scheduled for an address today or if Jeff would talk on my behalf again," he said.
"I was a little bit surprised to hear the comments on Friday, and in all honesty, I thought I was suffering some sort of déjà vu back to a time where Jeff had tried to liquidate all Victorian assets.
"Fortunately I realised he was only speaking on Hawthorn's behalf and not mine."
Gardner also said he was disappointed the "storm in a teacup" had overshadowed the retirement of club captain David Neitz, who was also present at the lunch.
The Demons' chairman labelled Neitz "a modest champion", and said the club will now award a medal named after the 306-game player to any Melbourne representative who notches up the triple tonne.
