Dual Norm Smith Medallist and Hawthorn legend Gary Ayres has returned to the club where he achieved extraordinary success, taking on a significant role in its administration.
Ayres has been appointed as the Capital Campaign Executive, a position focused on promoting fundraising efforts for the Kennedy Community Centre, Hawthorn's state-of-the-art new home base currently under construction in Dingley.
Ayres, a five-time premiership player and former club captain, will work closely with fellow Hawthorn Hall of Famer Rodney "Rocket" Eade, who joined the campaign earlier this year.
Together, they aim to engage the Hawthorn family in raising $5 million to ensure the facility is equipped with elite features to support the club's AFL and AFLW programs.
The 64-year-old, who played 269 games for Hawthorn from 1978 to 1993, is one of the most revered figures in the club's history.
In addition to his two Norm Smith Medals, he won the Peter Crimmins Medal in 1986, was named in Hawthorn's Team of the Century, and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
His storied career also included five premierships (1983, 1986, 1988, 1989, and 1991) and a reputation as one of the game's toughest and most reliable defenders.
Nicknamed "Conan" for his physical prowess, Ayres' leadership qualities have continued to shine in his post-playing career, including stints as a senior coach at AFL and VFL levels. Now, his focus is on helping secure Hawthorn's future off the field.
Hawthorn CEO Ash Klein praised Ayres' appointment, saying his deep ties to the club and leadership qualities would make him an asset in advancing the Kennedy Community Centre project.
The Kennedy Community Centre, slated for completion in 2025, promises to be a transformative hub for Hawthorn.
It will feature elite training facilities, MCG-sized and AFLW ovals, an indoor training arena, a grandstand-equipped pavilion, and community spaces.
Construction of the $113 million facility is already 60% complete. It has played a pivotal role in attracting high-profile recruits like Josh Battle and Tom Barrass, who cited the centre as a major factor in their decisions to join Hawthorn.
Klein emphasised the importance of community involvement in bringing the Kennedy Centre to life:
โOnce complete, our high-performance facilities will be a long-term home and elite destination for our players, staff, and members."
"This is further enhanced by community-accessible facilities that will benefit local groups and activate our precinct.โ
