Today the news is not so great, with Hawthorn announcing Tracey left the club on Monday, to be replaced in the interim by lawyer Peter Nankivell.
The club claims Tracey stepped down for personal reasons, but Fairfax media reports that she had clashed with staff and Hawks officials, while The Guardian claims she had been a “surprise” appointment back in May.
According to Hawks president Richard Garvey, Tracey is facing “extenuating family and personal circumstances.” He thanked her for her contribution and said the club understands and respects her “decision to step down.”
Tracey, a former Olympic cyclist, remains VP of cycling’s world governing body and is a contributor to the International Olympic Committee on gender inclusion.
At the time of Tracey’s appointment, Women’s Agenda reported that Richard Garvey had highlighted the fact Tracey would provide “a different perspective” for the club. “We are excited to have a CEO who comes from outside of the football world, someone with a different perspective who can drive innovation and change,” he said.
Perhaps it was a little too different after all.