I trust you are all well and the wounds are starting to heal! I am surprised that it is taking me so long.
I have always said football is just a game, but my reaction to our close encounter last week has surprised me. Maybe it is just that thing we call passion, particularly when you know so well those on the field and those backing them up as coaches or within the administration.
Anyway, this message was not meant to be about me - and I should be okay by Christmas - but to congratulate our players who did so well at last night’s Brownlow Medal count.
Sam Mitchell, what a wonderful year he has had! The arrival of his twins together with an outstanding year on the field. 30 votes and second only to Dane Swan, the winner of the Brownlow.
On and off the field, Sam continues to provide inspiration for his peers, particularly our young players. There could not be a better role model for them to develop their commitment to training and contestability on-field, not to mention Sam’s level-headed management of his off-field life. Sam has learnt several important skills and has educated himself during his time in the game to plan for a very successful life when he finishes his football career.
Sam was not eligible for the Brownlow last night because he was reported during the year.
Reported, but not suspended. I think that is a position the AFL must reconsider and reverse. If a player is reported, but not deemed sufficient for actual suspension, the player should remain eligible for Brownlow consideration.
The AFL makes the rules, but if the rules allow a player to keep playing after a reportable offence, then he is a whole person, and eligible to have Brownlow votes awarded to him in and from the next game he plays.
Perhaps it was fortunate that Sam did not win last night because a great injustice would have been rendered on him.
Now that the football year has ended, the AFL can reconsider this matter to make the necessary and obvious change before the start of next year.
Hawthorn Football Club will be writing to the AFL Commission today to ask them to reconsider this matter. For now, well done Sam on a great year.
To Lance Franklin (20 votes), and our Captain Luke Hodge (17 votes), your leadership and contribution to the Club has been recognised by the umpires, and through them, the football community. It goes without saying how fortunate we are to have both men at Hawthorn, and that both have indicated their desire to be one-club players. Buddy and Luke will be important leaders in our quest for our 11th premiership.
10 other players were awarded votes with Grant Birchall, Cyril Rioli and Brad Sewell each receiving seven votes, Josh Gibson and Matt Suckling receiving four votes, Luke Breust, Jordan Lewis and Shane Savage with two votes, and David Hale and Isaac Smith with one vote each. What a great representation for the Club.
I think I am correct in saying for Matt, Luke, Shane and Isaac it was the first time that they had recorded Brownlow votes. Well done guys, you are among the players who make up the future of the Club and your careers have well and truly started.
Finally, Hawthorn Football Club players received a total of 104 Brownlow votes, second only to Collingwood who received 111. So again, congratulations guys. Importantly, congratulations to Dane Swan on winning the 2011 Brownlow Medal. It is an outstanding individual honour, and very well deserved.
But as we salute the individuals above, let’s never forget that individuals never win games of football; teams do. And each of the guys above were supported and given their opportunities to excel by those that played each week. Without the unnamed players, those singled out last night would not have been recognised.
It makes you feel good to be part of the Hawthorn family, and I am feeling a bit better having just written to you all.
Go Hawks.
Jeff Kennett
President
