Hawthorn Football Club has received an extraordinary donation from former Director, Geoff Harris and his family to ensure the club continues to thrive long into the future.

The $10M gift is the inaugural donation towards the club’s future capital campaign which will underpin the delivery of vital facilities and transform the club for its players, staff, members and the local community.

In 2016 the club purchased a 28-hectare site in Dingley, which is set to be Hawthorn’s home for the next 50 to 100 years.

The $7.75M land purchase was majority funded by the Hawthorn Football Club Foundation and ensures the club will own the freehold on the new development.

President Jeff Kennett said the club was incredibly grateful for the Harris family’s donation.

“The club is very grateful for the extraordinary generosity Geoff Harris and his family has bestowed on us,” said Kennett.

“Their generous gift is the inaugural donation towards the club’s future capital campaign which will underpin the delivery of vital facilities and transform our club for our players, staff, members and the local community."

Hawthorn plans to transform the Dingley site into the premier sporting and community facility in Melbourne’s South East.

The development will go beyond the creation of an elite training and administration facility for Hawthorn’s staff and players and encompass community focused facilities, such as alternate sporting amenities and community hubs. 

The club continues to work closely with local community stakeholders to ensure any future facilities are inclusive and create greater opportunities for those living in Melbourne.

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves said the next 18 to 24 months are vital for the club.

“We are determined to make a significant contribution to community and sporting facilities and the next 18-24 months will be crucial in securing support for our vision.

“The Harris family’s gift truly reflects the Hawthorn Football Club’s belief in, and commitment to, its future.

“It is an outstanding leadership gift which we hope will inspire others once the campaign officially commences.

“It lays the groundwork for all that lies ahead and, on behalf of everyone at Hawthorn, I express the club’s utmost gratitude to the Harris family for their outstanding generosity.”

The club is focused on ensuring the long-term future of Hawthorn and will look to its entire family to assist it in reaching this goal.