It is within the president’s rights to challenge any section of the club. In fact, his role is to hold all areas of the business accountable. But the questions remains as to whether or not it is helpful and productive to be so critical in such a public way.
Within many organisations, people value unity above all else. By describing the team’s performance as ‘appalling’ and ‘disgraceful’, and by suggesting that Alastair Clarkson was ‘outcoached’ and that the only problem with Hawthorn is its football department, Kennett has created nervousness, uncertainty and division.
His particular approach led the club’s captain, Sam Mitchell, to defend his coach and team: “I’m not sure how much time Jeff has spent in the coaches’ box, but I wouldn’t think it’s as much as our coaches.” Mitchell went on to say, “Sometimes, for the 48 players, he’s a bit of hard work.”
Kennett might justify the metaphorical hand-grenades he throws as president as his way to inspire and achieve success. My belief is that it has the opposite effect. There are very few people in professional sport that I know who respond well to being publicly humiliated by someone from their own ranks.
Ironically, the very football department he is publicly criticising is widely regarded as one of the most forward-thinking and cutting-edge departments in the competition. Only two years ago they delivered a premiership. Clarkson’s zoning and team defence was revolutionary. Chris Pelchen’s role as full-time list manager is something that other clubs have been desperate to reproduce. The appointment of Chris Fagan to develop the coaching staff was also ahead of its time.
Recruiting also comes under the football department’s banner and Hawthorn’s recent record is outstanding. Kennett’s ability to generate record membership numbers and marketing opportunities has been significantly enhanced by a playing list that includes Buddy Franklin, Cyril Rioli, Jordan Roughead and Shaun Burgoyne. Many believe that Hawthorn’s strategic approach to recruiting has set the standard for best practice.
On top of that, Clarkson’s assistants are being head-hunted by other clubs. Damien Hardwick’s outstanding success during his first year at Richmond has been achieved with a game style that has more than a hint of Hawthorn about it. Todd Viney was poached by the Adelaide Crows on the understanding that he brings with him a solid understanding of the Hawthorn blueprint.
Kennett has publicly declared that he will serve only two terms as Hawthorn president, which means he will step down from the position at the end of next year. And while he often speaks of his accountability to the Hawthorn members, by not seeking re-election he is, in practice, accountable to no one. Unlike Kennett, the AFL for Alastair Clarkson and his team is their life. It is their personal career path and their families’ livelihood. Most people in football are incredibly resilient and capable of dealing with criticism. But it’s a little harder to cop and often a lot more damaging when this criticism goes public and comes from within.
Jeff Kennett has been unbelievable for Hawthorn. His work to secure the deal with the Tasmanian government, to drive membership up to 55,000 and to provide the resources required by the club are all part of his great legacy as Hawthorn president. His willingness to publicly express his opinions on issues like the surface at Ethiad Stadium have helped create change where others couldn’t.
Jeff Kennett’s style is always going to be combative and challenging. No one is suggesting that he isn’t entitled to have his say. However, on issues relating directly to the football department, even he might concede that his football director, Jason Dunstall, might be a more appropriate public voice.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
