Andrew Newbold stands down as Hawthorn president

Andrew Newbold has stood down as president of Hawthorn, effective immediately.

Newbold, who has been in the role since 2011, first joined the Hawks’ board in 2003.

He will be replaced by Richard Garvey until the club’s next AGM in December.

Newbold said it felt like the ‘right time’ to step aside.

‘My motto has always been to leave two days earlier rather than a day late and now is the time,’ he said in a club statement.

‘Throughout my tenure, the club has been transformed into a powerful organisation, both on and off the field, and I always wanted to be able to step down when I was still enjoying the role.

‘More importantly, I wanted to leave at a time when my successor had a great opportunity to create their own vision.

‘On the back of multiple premierships and with the club in good shape, now feels like the right time to hand over the reins.’