ANDREW Newbold will serve another three-year term as Hawthorn president after being re-elected unopposed at the club's annual general meeting.

 

This will be Newbold's final term as President with the club's constitution limiting the presidency to two terms.

 

Since assuming the role from Jeff Kennett at the end of 2011, Newbold's reign has been highly successful with the Hawks featuring in three consecutive Grand Finals, including two premierships.

 

Newbold, who will conclude his service at the end of 2017, said he would continue to strive for excellence.

 

"We expect the highest standards in everything we do," Newbold said.

 

"Work has already begun to ensure that for the 2015 season. As we work towards our goal of benchmark facilities, the [Hawthorn] Foundation will play a critical role in that."

 

Skipper Luke Hodge echoed the sentiments of his President.

 

"What a year for our football club," Hodge said.

 

"It all started at this time last year at our training camp in South Africa. It wasn't all smooth sailing. We found depth and unearthed some great football talent and as far as the players and coaches are concerned we are focused on 2015.

 

"Tomorrow we embark on our pre-season training camp to prepare us for a tilt at the 2015 premiership season."

 

The players will leave on Friday for their pre-season training camp in Queensland before breaking over the Christmas period.

 

Just one change was made to the Hawthorn board on Thursday night with experienced lawyer Peter Nankivell elected, while current board members Linda Kristjanson and Andrew Gowers were re-elected.

 

Nankivell replaces retiring director and former Vice President Martin Ralston, who was awarded Life Membership by the Hawks.

 

Ralston was elected to the Hawthorn Football Club board in 2005 and served as vice-president from 2006–2009, before again assuming the role in 2014. 

 

Newbold paid tribute to the service of Ralston during his nine-year tenure at the Hawks and said incoming director Nankivell, a consultant at Thomson Geer Lawyers, would be a valuable addition to the board.

 

"A life-long supporter, Peter has been professionally involved with Hawthorn Football Club as a legal adviser and an independent member of the Finance and Risk Management Committee where he reviewed the club's constitution and governance structures," Newbold said.

 

"With his extensive legal background, knowledge of governance protocols and our club culture, Peter is the perfect addition to our board and team at Hawthorn."