Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton has labelled influential group 'Hawks for Change' as a body that “wants change for change’s” sake, after Cyril Rioli sensationally revealed he wouldn’t return to the club while Jeff Kennett remains president.
In an explosive story in The Age on Saturday, Rioli and his wife Shannyn revealed their hurt at several racial incidents which occurred during their time at the club, one of which happened in Launceston four years when Kennett made a disparaging comments about Shannyn’s jeans.
They claim it was the final straw, Rioli retiring from Hawthorn weeks later.
Hawks for Change released a statement later on Saturday morning after the story was published, calling for Kennett to resign.
“Hawks for Change is deeply disappointed and concerned by reports that Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett made highly inappropriate remarks which led to distress for Cyril Rioli, his wife and their family which resulted in their subsequent departure from the Hawthorn Football Club,” a statement from Hawks for Change read.
“Jeff Kennett’s disrespect of the Rioli family is the latest shameful example of why he is not fit to serve as President of our beloved football club. Jeff Kennett, through his actions, has again brought the reputation of the Hawthorn Football Club into disrepute.
“Cyril Rioli has confirmed he will not re-engage with the Hawthorn Football Club while Jeff Kennett remains associated with the club. Cyril told The Age “I wouldn’t want to be there while he’s (Jeff Kennett) there”. This is no way to treat a four-time Hawthorn premiership player.
“We are disappointed to see further reports in the media today about previous inappropriate behaviour including Jeff proudly talking in the media about owning a golliwog called “Buddy”.
“Thanks to Hawks for Change, Jeff previously agreed to step down by 30 June 2022.
“Hawks for Change now calls on Jeff Kennett to resign immediately and directors of the Hawthorn Football Club must take a stand and seek Jeff’s resignation today.
“When Eddie McGuire realised he had done the wrong thing he resigned.
“Under the new leadership of Sam Mitchell, the Hawthorn Football Club is fiercely united on the field, but under the stale leadership of Jeff Kennett our Club is clearly divided off it.
“Hawks for Change will continue our campaign for greater diversity and democracy in the leadership of our Club.
“For the good of the mighty Hawthorn Football Club Jeff Kennett must go.”
Responding to the statement, Hawks great Brereton said Hawks for Change had “no answers”, instead choosing to back incumbent president Jeff Kennett.
“The Hawks for Change – and some of those blokes are ex-teammates and I love them – but they have no answers,” he said on SEN’s Crunch Time.
“They just want change for change’s (sake) and there’s a feeling there is a personality driven edge to this.
“I don’t think they have any answers to move the club forward in a better shape than it is currently doing.
“I think Jeff (Kennett) has unfinished business.”
Gerard Whateley disagreed with Brereton assessment of the situation, saying Ian Silk – who is in the frame to take over as president at some stage before the end of 2023 – would immediately be more suited to the role than Kennett.
“I’ll disagree on that front that if Ian Silk is president tomorrow, they would be in a better place than it is today,”
“They have found their successor.”