Outspoken Hawthorn president's shock bid to hold power

Jeff Kennett has backflipped on plans to quit as Hawthorn's president, putting his hand up for another term in charge of the AFL club.

In a letter to members on Wednesday, the 72-year-old confirmed he would be seeking re-election at the Hawks' general meeting in December.

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Kennett had planned to bow out at the end of the AFL season but says circumstances have changed since making that declaration in February.

"This was not an easy decision for a lot of reasons. Had this year progressed as per normal, I would have stood down and handed the baton to any one of many people qualified to lead the club," Kennett wrote.

"I was invited back to the presidency three years ago to rebalance the ship after an issue with an earlier appointment.

"I am happy to say that with the assistance of the board and leadership within the administration we have done that.

"COVID-19 has changed the landscape for us all, including the football industry.

"Whether I continue as president is at your discretion when you will all be given the opportunity to vote on your future leadership team."

Kennett, a former Victorian premier, led the Hawks from 2005-11 before he returned in 2017 after Richard Garvey resigned from the position.

After the end of his first stint, Kennett changed the club's constitution so Hawthorn presidents could serve a maximum of two three-year terms.

Bombers' Daniher to make AFL return

Essendon forward Joe Daniher will make his long-awaited return to AFL football against Hawthorn at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday evening.

Bombers coach John Worsfold confirmed Daniher would play against the Hawks, provided he gets through a light training session on Wednesday morning.

Daniher, 26, hasn't played since round nine 2019 due to recurring groin issues and unsuccessfully sought a trade to Sydney at the end of last season.

"We're really excited that Joe's done the work to be available, ready to step back up and play some footy - which is great for Joe, great for us (and) great for footy," Worsfold told reporters on Wednesday

Worsfold said Daniher would have been ready to play earlier, if not for a minor calf strain.

Given the limited nature of scratch matches this year, Essendon opted to bring him straight back into their AFL side after building his loads through training.

Worsfold said he hadn't directly spoken to restricted free agent Daniher about re-signing but emphasised there was "no panic" at Essendon's end.