Pettet’s appointment was announced earlier this month (April 12) following weeks of speculation and gossip about the club’s future.

Pettet has been acting as caretaker coach since former coach Troy Hilder was sacked following his arrest on alleged drug charges.

Pettet, the club and sponsors want to put the events of the last seven weeks to rest and focus on the members and players.

He is eager to guide his players into a new era and to embrace a more professional approach to the sport, while at the same time working with them to instill the core values of  everyday life; respect, commitment, loyalty, reliability and honesty.

He said players had responded quickly and positively to his approach , accepting his values without question.

The club this year has 75 registered male and female players aged from 17 to their early 40s, introduced a player welfare officer, a stats man and new assistant coaches.

“We also have a long waiting list for ball boys,” he said.

Despite the pending drug charges, sponsors have remained loyal to the club, while at the same time, two new players – Sporties Tuncurry and Evermore Living – have come on board to support the Hawks.

Following a childhood in Coolah, in the state’s central west, Pettet moved to Sydney to complete his final two years at school before making his way to Parramatta, home of the Eels NRL club.

In his ninth year with the club he snapped his achilles, forcing an early retirement and a move to Forster.

For two years Pettet was captain coach of the Hawks before stepping aside following the 2002 season for his young family and work commitments.

Throughout this time Pettet remained loyal to the club as a junior coach, returning briefly to the first grade side in 2008 for half a season.

Pettet is excited about the future of the club and its players.

“One of my goals is for the club to become a role model which other clubs will copy."

Hawks president Justan Buttigieg is pleased with the appointment and believes Pettet will be an asset.

“He brings something to the side which has not been with us for a few years,” he said.

“And I know the players are happy too.”

Hilder’s arrest earlier this year has had a prolific affect on both the players and the club.

Buttigieg acknowledge the Hawks’ sponsors, who he said had stuck by the club all the way.

The Hawks this week play the Kempsey Mustangs at home on Sunday with a 3pm kick-off.