President | Hawthorn Football Club
Learn how Andy Gowers was elected President, plus his approaches to career, leadership, and what goes on at the top of an AFL club.
Reuben Williams
September 08, 2025
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Coming up on the show today is President of the Hawthorn Football Club, Andy Gowers.
Andy is an AFL premiership player who played 140 games across Hawthorn and Brisbane, including Hawthorn’s 1991 Grand Final win. After retiring from the AFL, he transitioned into the corporate world with a successful career in wealth management, before returning to the Hawks as Football Director from 2014 - 2017, helping to win 2 premierships and completing the historic “three-peat”.
In 2022, Andy was elected President of Hawthorn, stepping in during a complex and challenging period for the club - including strained relationships with some of its Indigenous players - and taking on the responsibility of restoring unity and trust within the club community.
He now leads the Hawks into a new chapter, overseeing major projects like the World-class facility, the Kennedy Community Centre, while building up the culture of “The Family Club”.
If you want to learn what goes on at the very top of an AFL club, the role of President, and Andy’s career journey, how to lead a football club off the field, or how to combine your business and sporting passions, you’ll love this episode.
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Big thanks to Deakin University for making this episode possible.
Check out their Master of Sport Management, ranked #1 in Australia.
Thanks for listening, much love!