Outgoing Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett has backed star forward Mitch Lewis’ claims that the Hawks can contend for premierships again by 2025.
After finishing 13th in 2022, Hawthorn opted to commit to a full rebuild as they traded out veterans Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara and Jack Gunston following the retirements of Ben McEvoy and Liam Shiels.
As the club is shedding considerable experience, many expect the Hawks to endure a tough couple of years as they look to invest in their young players and build from the ground up.
Despite the likelihood of rough seas ahead, Lewis says the rebuild has given the club a “clear vision” and he expects to contest for “silverware” in just three years’ time.
“It's maybe a surprise to some, but we knew that this year we've invested in our youth and we have got a really clear vision for the footy club,” Lewis said at a club press conference.
“We want to be able to match the pressure of finals footy.
“We sort of have to - not bottom out - but invest in the youth and then build our way back up.
“But it’s an exciting time, hopefully in a few years’ time we’re really contesting for silverware.”
Kennett agreed with Lewis’ sentiment following the comments, adding that he feels the “wonderful” young group can help the club rebound quicker than many think.
“Well, Mitch Lewis said last night or yesterday that we can do it (win a premiership) by 2025,” Kennett told SEN Breakfast.
“’25 is our 100th year of the club since entering the VFL.
“I tell you what, we have got some wonderful young men.
“We’re going ’23, ’24 and ’25, that’s three years and I think that’s absolutely right.
“We’ve got some wonderful, wonderful young men coming through the ranks.”
With Kennett set to move on from the club, Hawthorn members will be able to vote on who they want their new President to be, with Andy Gowers and Peter Nankivell both candidates.