Outgoing Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has unleashed on politician James Merlino via Twitter, claiming the "unemployed" board hopeful would "infect" the Hawks.

Kennett's Hawks are currently in the midst of a board struggle, with Merlino, a former Deputy Premier of Victoria, joining forces with 1991 Hawks premiership player Andy Gowers as board and presidency contenders respectively.

The pair have gained the backing of supporter group Hawks 4 Change as they continue their campaigns.

That same group has questioned the appointment of Hawthorn president-elect Peter Nankivell, who was initially appointed as Kennett's successor before Gowers' late bid for the presidency.

Merlino is aiming for a board seat, with Katie Hudson, Maria Lui, Anne-Marie Pellizzer and Ed Sill also among the nominations pushing for the three vacant board positions.

On Monday evening, Kennett took to social media to voice his disapproval of Merlino, stating the former politician wants to negatively impact his club.

"Unemployed James Merlino, having jumped the Andrews disastrous government now wants to join the Hawthorn Board on a platform of governance," Kennett tweeted.

"Give me a break, if he was concerned about governance why did he not apply that when in Cabinet ... Now he wants to infect a great Club. No way!"

With the 2022 season representing Kennett's last as president of the storied club, Hawthorn is set for a period of adjustment off the field as well as on it, as senior coach Sam Mitchell prepares to embark on his second season in charge.

Kennett has held two stints as Hawthorn's president, first running from 2005-2011, before returning to the position in 2017.