In 1995, the finances at Hawthorn were deteriorating, boardroom largesse was revealed, and pressure was put upon president
Geoff Lord to resign. Coleman was elevated to clean up the finances. Coleman was club president in 1996. He presided over, and supported, the
planned merger between Hawthorn and in
1996. After losing the vote to merge the clubs, Coleman stepped down s president and was replaced by
Ian Dicker. == Honours and achievements ==