James Merlino.Credit:Chris Hopkins
Gowers’ decision to run is significant as it comes justfour months after the board endorsed Nankivell as the president-elect to replace Kennett,who had come under considerable pressure to step down afterfour-time premiership player Cyril Rioli said he would not return to the club while Kennett remained in charge.
Nankivell’s proposed elevation came after a nominations committee assessed suitable candidates,with Nankivell a respected lawyer.The Hawks for Change group has supported Gowers,while Merlino is understood to be running as an independent candidate.
Sill has been a mentor and long-time supporter of Hawks coach Sam Mitchell,while current board members Hudson and Pellizzer are the only two females on the nine-person board.
Hawthorn faces a board stoush as Jeff Kennett prepares to departCredit:AAP
Hawthorn have undergone a tumultuous 12 months,with the messy departure of four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson followed by Rioli’s comments,and then revelations contained in a cultural safety review that investigated the experiences of the club’s Indigenous players,past and present.
The impact of that report is still being felt as the AFL attempts to set up an investigation into the matters alleged,with Clarkson delaying his start at North Melbourne and Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan taking a leave of absence.