Hawthorn chairman Jeff Kennett. Credit:Angela Wylie

The AFL risks making strong clubs financially dependent on the league if the AFL decides to ban poker machines from the clubs, according to Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett.

Kennett, whose Hawks earn more money ($23.29 million) from poker machines than any other club, said that unless the AFL found replacement income for clubs that gave up pokies, they would probably have 18 ‘‘dependent’’ clubs, rather than Kennett’s estimate of 12 clubs that relied on extra AFL support.

Among Victorian clubs, there is a widespread view — based on conversations with the AFL — that the AFL has a long-term agenda of removing poker machines, as part of the AFL Commission’s socially responsible agenda.

But Kennett — often a thorn in the AFL’s side — warned of the consequences of removing pokies without a replacement revenue source.