Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has defended the club’s gaming business, while flagging the possibility of divesting from poker machines in the long term if alternative revenue streams are found.

Speaking at the club’s AGM on Tuesday, Kennett stressed the financial importance of the Hawks’ gaming revenues, without which the club would recede into a financial deficit, according to the former Liberal premier of Victoria.

Hawthorn chief Jeff Kennett says Hawthorn won't be getting rid of pokies any time soon. Credit:Darrian Traynor

The Hawks posted an almost $5 million profit in the most recent financial period. The club’s two gaming venues topped the charts for Victorian clubs' takings from poker machines last year, with customers registering $24.3 million worth of losses.

"The reality is our first priority is to run an organisation that is solvent,” Kennett said.