On Thursday, Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett sent a letter to the club’s members.
It hinted at some surprise decisions that could be made this trade and draft period as the Hawks enter a new era post Alastair Clarkson.
On Friday morning, he has given an explanation as to why it was sent.
There have been a number of key senior Hawks players - such as Tom Mitchell, Jack Gunston, Luke Breust, Jaeger O’Meara and Chad Wingard - whose names have been bandied around in recent weeks, indicating that perhaps there will be significant change.
But is Kennett warning the club’s members of the inevitable? Or simply preparing them for possible change?
“I’m forewarning them of the possibility that there may be decisions made that I have no say in whatsoever that might shock us,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“I don’t know that that will happen. I’m just saying if it does, understand it’s made by those people we’ve employed with more football knowledge and skills that we have and they’re doing it in our interests.
“It’s just precaution, it’s just being responsible, it’s really writing about the obvious.”
Asked if those aforementioned players have been put in front of opposition clubs, Kennett was vehement in his response.
“No. As I understand it, and I’m not fully across it, but I do speak to my people which would surprise you,” he added.
“We’ve offered no one up that I am aware of. Regardless of the names that you and others have mentioned, I’ve got to say that my view is I hope they all remain at the club and I expect them to.
“But I’m not sure, I don’t know the holes that have got to be plugged, I don’t know what other clubs might do or approach our team, but at this stage, I’m quite sure none of those players have bene offered anywhere.”
Kennett further explained the mindset behind the letter.
He referenced the recent departure of Tim O’Brien to the Western Bulldogs after nine years in the brown and gold as one example of how members can be upset when a player leaves.
“I think it’s a statement of fact,” Kennett said further.
“That every year the appropriate people at the club sit down and try to work out what they need for both the short and medium term and that often throws up some surprises.
“For instance, most club’s supporters and members grow attached to some players and when there is a change, they get a bit disappointed, but the changes are made by those with more experience than me or the board and it’s all for a common purpose which is to improve the performance of the club on the field.
“For instance, Timmy O’Brien, who we all remember taking that great mark this year, has exercised his right as a free agent to move to Western Bulldogs. That’s already resulted in some of our members getting in touch with us and saying how disappointed they were and why didn’t we offer him a long-term contract etcetera.
“It’s part of the moving feast at this time of year. The sorts of players that have been mentioned in the media have all said publicly also they want to stay at Hawthorn and they’ve made those comments because they’ve seen both the experience we’ve got and the potential of some of our younger players.
“That’s not to say that there won’t be a change or two before the trade and draft period is over that will surprise some of us. We’ve just got to be prepared for that and understand that the coaches and the football department is making the best decisions they can in our members’ interest.”
After a successful era under Clarkson, the Hawks will look to rebuild under Sam Mitchell and are expected to take a strong hand to the 2021 draft including picks 5, 21 and 24 among others.