Having trouble picking which team to barrack for in the grand final? The former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett is here to help.
Kennett, who had vowed to keep a low profile after relinquishing his stewardship of the Hawks this year, was conspicuous by his presence on the ground just after the final siren of the preliminary final.
Not content with hob-nobbing with exhausted players after their thrilling victory over the gallant Crows, Kennett hit the airwaves this morning, keen to remind the footy world that his vision for the Hawks is near to fruition.
"You've got to remember guys, that in 2007 we outlined our five-year plan for the club which some of you commentators thought was arrogant, when we said five years, two premierships, 50,000 members," Kennett told SEN radio Monday.
"Well this is the fifth year of that business plan and I think we should have won the grand final last year … Our membership now stands at over 60,000. If the boys can bring home the bacon on the weekend, that business plan will have lived its life."
Hawthorn didn't play in the 2011 grand final, having faltered in the preliminary final after leading by 17 points at the final change.
Asked whether he was going the "early Hawk", Kennett backed down somewhat, admitting he thought the 2012 decider would be a "gladiatorial-style contest".
"Leadership and success … depends on succession and we've got very good people at Hawthorn – my successor is well qualified, a good board, good CEO, good coach and good players. If you have the fundamentals right, at least you give yourself the opportunity of performing on the field. And hopefully next weekend, hopefully, they will bring home our 11th trophy".
Legend puts Hawthorn before family
Hawthorn legend John Kennedy could never be cast as a villain, but the ex-Hawk premiership player and coach is just as partisan as Kennett.
Kennedy's grandson Josh is playing for Sydney on Saturday, after starting his career with the Hawks. But when Robert Walls put it to Kennedy senior that he would be happy no matter which team won the grand final, he was quickly rebuked.
Jeff Kennett congratulates Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson after the Hawks beat Adelaide on Saturday.
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