I was worried about the game against St Kilda. Unusually for me I did not sleep well last week knowing only one game stood between the Hawthorn Football Club and playing in this year’s Grand Final. And now that game is behind us, we won, and we are participating in the biggest match of the year.
Surreal? Because we now have a chance of winning what we have been pursuing for the last few years, our 10th Premiership.
Surreal? Because Geelong, while accepting they have been the best team all year, and they are a team we respect both on and off the field, are not a team we fear.
Surreal? Because I feel calm and slept well last night. I am confident, but not complacent about our prospects this Saturday.
It has the potential to be one of the great Grand Finals. But we have to approach and play the game as just another match to be played. All be it a big match.
The players and coaching group will be led by their respective leaders. The administration of the Club will be working overtime to professionally deliver our responsibilities this weekend, while preparing for every contingency next week.
Our members, sponsors and supporters are preparing to be part of our first Grand Final in 17 years.
When the chosen 22 run on to the MCG they have the opportunity to make the history I have been speaking about all year. While I am confident we at Hawthorn are in for five good years, you have to seize every opportunity.
We have not done so well this year to be saying if we don’t win on Saturday there is always next year. Yes, there is always next year, but the circumstances will have changed. Some of our personnel may not be with us, other teams will improve.
So it is this year, six days from now if you count today. Our quest is urgent.
And remember when those 22 young warriors take to the field, they are supported by 22 other players on our list, our coaching staff, 50 full time administrative staff, another 50 part time employees including runners, medical support team, property officials etc, and our ever generous volunteers, our cheersquad, those who prepare our banners, those who feed the warriors etc.
As the refrain goes “we’re a happy team at Hawthorn”, and never forget we are a team. A good team, focused, disciplined, enthusiastic and creative.
No individual can ever win a Grand Final, only good teams of individuals succeed. On Saturday the best team will win.
Finally, thank you to all of your tremendous support this year. It has been growing every week. It is just a pity all our members and supporters cannot be at next Saturday’s game, but those who will attend, decked out in their brown and gold, will I am sure vocally represent all our 41,688 members.
Now for the one game of the year.
Go Hawks, Go Hawks, Go Hawks!
Jeff Kennett
The very proud President
Of Hawthorn Football Club
