The war of words between factions vying for power at Hawthorn continues, with acting president Peter Nankivell saying the timing of an announcement about their new home base is not politically motivated.
But a $15 million funding question hangs over the build at Dingley, with members of the Hawks For Change ticket claiming outgoing president Jeff Kennett cost the club the money with his “late-night tweets” criticising the state government.
Kennett, a Liberal premier, has spoken out against the current Labor government on multiple topics, at the same his club is hoping to receive $15 million allocated to it by the government as part of the $100 million project.
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Nankivell, Kennett’s vice-president for the last five years and his preferred successor, is battling with 1991 Hawthorn premiership player Andy Gowers – who is endorsed by the Hawks For Change group – for the top job.
Also backed by Gowers is former Victorian deputy premier James Merlino, who believes he can help ensure the club receives the $15 million state government funding.
“As the club stands, there’s a disconnect with many members,” Merlino said.
“The project that was announced today is solely a football project – and it’s got to be more than that.
“What we want to see in Dingley is a Kennedy Community Centre that is delivering elite facilities for the men’s and women’s teams but also is a loved venue for Hawthorn members and the broader Hawthorn community.”
Earlier this week Gowers, in response to a claim by Kennett his group wanted to take Hawthorn “back to being a boys’ club”, accused the current board of “throwing women to the wolves”.
“I not only refute that claim but would draw our members’ attention to the fact that this year three board members were up for election, (football director) Richie Vandenberg, Katie Hudson and Anne-Marie Pellizzer. They had to extend one of those director’ term by one year under an AFL rule and they chose Richie Vandenberg, the only male,” Gowers said.
“The president Jeff Kennett and the vice president Peter Nankivell and the board decided to roll over the one man and in doing that threw the women to the wolves.”
