RustyHawk
11th June 2008, 17:41
Memorable, enjoyable, controversial. Threads from the Hawthorn forum that should be acknowledged and remembered.
Let me add the first contribution.
A thread by Hawker11 asking the question "Who voted yes in 1996?" started on 10.06.08
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?p=11336846#post11336846
In particular this post #29 by The Ghost of Glenferrie
"Re: Who Voted 'Yes' in 96?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two names (Gxxff LxxD and Trxxxor Cxxte) and their respective boards did untold damage to the HFC between 1988 - 1995.
There is so much first hand and confidential knowledge that I could impart to members on this subject but for the prospect of breaching my professions code of conduct.
I have know doubt that many people on this board would be somewhat aware of what I'm talking about, sufficed to say that these two boards were not the most fiscally responsible when it come to control of club expenses) - if you catch my drift.
It was never a matter of HFC not having the revenue base to operate and trade profitably over this period. Our predicament was wholly due to the financial strategic direction of the board and some highly questionable decisions they made - that nearly led to the downfall of our great club.
Indeed, beyond the fact that many of the people who were involved during this time still maintain emotional scars over the merger events, I can assure you that if the matter was properly investigated that some of the protagonists involved would be very nervous.
As to the involvement of Brian Coleman I can assure he was a great man who inherited an absolute mess and stood firm while the rats deserted the ship. I honestly believe when he examined the mess he thought merger was the only way to save anything about HFC. His comment's about tin rattling being un-Hawthorn like was by his own admission made on the run and that of President under siege.
The effect of the boards culture and decisions between 89-94 I firmly believe had far more profound effect on the HFC than just the financial problems and merger.
Everything that the club was built on and held dear (sacrifice, courage, hardness, integrity etc) was replaced with a soft attitude of superiority, invincibility and a particular reliance on past deeds and glories.
This attitude filtered through the whole organisation like a cancer and as we have all witnessed we are only now beginning to see the resurgence of our club to something resembling the HFC we remember and cherish. We repaid the bank a long time ago but only over the past 3-4 years are we seeing something resembling the Mighty HFC of old
Let us hope we never find ourselves in that situation ever again – we must be forever vigilant and hold the administration and players to the highest standards.
They are only the guardians, we are the owners of the HFC – every member and supporter has to get on board and make us the most admired and feared club in the land. We must never forget the events of 1996 and what got us into that position.
As the great man said "We must always be ready to pay the price!!”"
Let me add the first contribution.
A thread by Hawker11 asking the question "Who voted yes in 1996?" started on 10.06.08
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?p=11336846#post11336846
In particular this post #29 by The Ghost of Glenferrie
"Re: Who Voted 'Yes' in 96?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two names (Gxxff LxxD and Trxxxor Cxxte) and their respective boards did untold damage to the HFC between 1988 - 1995.
There is so much first hand and confidential knowledge that I could impart to members on this subject but for the prospect of breaching my professions code of conduct.
I have know doubt that many people on this board would be somewhat aware of what I'm talking about, sufficed to say that these two boards were not the most fiscally responsible when it come to control of club expenses) - if you catch my drift.
It was never a matter of HFC not having the revenue base to operate and trade profitably over this period. Our predicament was wholly due to the financial strategic direction of the board and some highly questionable decisions they made - that nearly led to the downfall of our great club.
Indeed, beyond the fact that many of the people who were involved during this time still maintain emotional scars over the merger events, I can assure you that if the matter was properly investigated that some of the protagonists involved would be very nervous.
As to the involvement of Brian Coleman I can assure he was a great man who inherited an absolute mess and stood firm while the rats deserted the ship. I honestly believe when he examined the mess he thought merger was the only way to save anything about HFC. His comment's about tin rattling being un-Hawthorn like was by his own admission made on the run and that of President under siege.
The effect of the boards culture and decisions between 89-94 I firmly believe had far more profound effect on the HFC than just the financial problems and merger.
Everything that the club was built on and held dear (sacrifice, courage, hardness, integrity etc) was replaced with a soft attitude of superiority, invincibility and a particular reliance on past deeds and glories.
This attitude filtered through the whole organisation like a cancer and as we have all witnessed we are only now beginning to see the resurgence of our club to something resembling the HFC we remember and cherish. We repaid the bank a long time ago but only over the past 3-4 years are we seeing something resembling the Mighty HFC of old
Let us hope we never find ourselves in that situation ever again – we must be forever vigilant and hold the administration and players to the highest standards.
They are only the guardians, we are the owners of the HFC – every member and supporter has to get on board and make us the most admired and feared club in the land. We must never forget the events of 1996 and what got us into that position.
As the great man said "We must always be ready to pay the price!!”"