In 2006 the Hawthorn Board unveiled its strategy for the next 5 years, 5-2-50.

Over the next five years the club went on to deliver one premiership, Hawthorn’s first premiership in 17 years, and to lift its membership number from 28,000 to beyond 50,000.

In 2011 Hawthorn unveiled its strategy for the following five years, All for One.

In the five years that followed the club went on to claim an historic three peat between 2013-2015 and lifted its membership number beyond 75,000.

Tonight, at the club’s AGM, Hawthorn launched its new vision, 2050.

2050 aims to see Hawthorn’s premiership tally rise to a total of 20 premierships by 2050, two of which the club aims to achieve in the next five years.

The 33-year vision will guide the club to deliver long term objectives of continual growth, innovation and on-field success.

The club’s grand vision is formed by a series of five-year strategic plans; HFC1 2018 to 2022, HFC2 2023 to 2027, HFC3 2028 to 2032 etc.

The first five-year strategic plan titled ‘Dare to be Different’ will drive the club’s priorities and decision making through to 2022.

There are several strategic priorities outlined within ‘Dare to be Different’ including winning two premierships, achieving 100,000 members, developing a new training and administration facility at Dingley, securing an AFLW license and extending the club’s Tasmanian Government partnership.

President Jeff Kennett said the plan set some ambitious goals however none that couldn’t be achieved if the club continued to set high standards, strive for innovation and aim to be a step ahead of the game.

“At Hawthorn we aren’t ones to sit back and wait, we work hard to achieve and deliver exciting results, on and off the field,” Kennett said.

“Our vision for our strategic plan, “Dare to be Different”, encapsulates this as we continue to strive for excellence.

“We have set ourselves some ambitious targets but all are within our grasp if we continue to innovate, grow and forge new frontiers within the AFL industry.

“If we achieve ahead of schedule future Boards can re-adjust the Vision.

“Our past since 1961 has been remarkable and our future is even more exciting.

“This has been a significant project over the course of 2017 and I want to thank our Board, administrative staff, members of our football department and players for their efforts in delivering for our members.

“On their own no one achieves things, but teams of people do. And with the continuing support of our members, sponsors and supporters the future is in our hands.”

Tonight’s AGM also saw Jeff Kennett elected unopposed as President of Hawthorn Football Club.

Kennett stepped into the role of president in October and will continue for a further three years after being formally ratified at Thursday’s meeting.

“I have been involved with this club for a large part of my life and I’m thrilled to be back at the helm once again,” Kennett said.

“I have the backing and support of the Board and most importantly our members which is a humbling feeling.”