Incoming Hawthorn CEO Tracey Gaudry believes that the Hawthorn Board should be commended on their forward-thinking by appointing her as the first female CEO in the AFL.

Speaking to FoxFM Radio on Tuesday, Gaudry, who formerly served as vice-president of the International Cycling Union, says her historic appointment is an encouraging step in the ongoing diversification of the AFL.

“The AFL is a pretty big bubble and it is a pretty tough bubble, and when I applied for this role my observation was, ‘is this bubble going to allow a different way of thinking on the inside?’,” Gaudry said.

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“So, I think it’s actually a really wonderful moment for the AFL to have that level of maturity with me coming in as a female.”

Gaudry says that the  "Family Club" has already made a resounding impression on her with its professionalism and sense of inclusion.

“The board has two very, very accomplished women, the senior leadership team is now spot on 50-50, so Hawthorn is already very progressive and that’s a wonderful environment.

“I walked out there yesterday and you’re wrapped up in the family literally from minute one.”