Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett says he is “happy” the Hawks don’t have an AFLW team in the 2018 competition.
After once again voicing his concerns surrounding the amount of injuries in the women’s league, the outspoken Former Premier of Victoria declared he is comfortable to wait until we have a greater understanding of the AFLW until Hawthorn have a team.
“I was disappointed (initially) that the AFL didn’t give us the opportunity to have a team,” Kennett told SEN’s Whateley.
“I work on the basis that everything happens in life for a reason.
“I am quite happy that we don’t, right now, have a team.
“We have a Hawthorn football team in the VFLW, we are taking the learning’s and the lessons from what we are observing in AFLW.
“The beauty about the VFLW is it is a year-long competition, as opposed to just the seven weeks plus a final.
“Right now, I’m not disappointed to be quite honest.
“I think we all need to learn about the game, how it is conducted and how we play it. I want it so succeed and grow, for the players and supporters.
“I don’t like seeing, in the male or female game, these injuries.
“If we can reduce the injuries, I will feel like I have discharged my responsibilities as president of the club a lot better than otherwise.
“This is the peak competition within women’s football.
“I think we have a responsibility, those who administer the game, to do whatever we can to take on board the OH&S considerations.”
Kennett is of the notion he isn’t the only one that has issues surrounding the number of ailments facing the AFLW.
“The discussions I have been having over last season and this season, there are a lot of people who share my concern,” he said.
“I am concerned about the level of injuries in this new game as it is played, and I make no apology for that whatsoever.”
Last weekend, Carlton superstar Brianna Davey and Western Bulldogs number one draft pick Isabel Huntington suffered season-ending ACL injuries.