With the board election drawing fault lines among Hawthorn people, presidential hopeful Andy Gowers has called for a peace summit after the election.

Gowers said crucial to returning unity to the club in his proposed succession plan was for all Hawks people to meet and settle differences, air concerns and put the club first.

He said the “family club” needed to behave like a family and after an argument, settle differences and move on.

“When I decided to put up my hand to be president of our club, it was because I could see Hawthorn’s board and leadership were out of touch with members. I jotted down what I would change if elected and the first word was ‘unity’,” Gowers said in a statement released on Sunday.

“Two weeks ago, I wrote to Hawthorn members and supporters and said that, ‘One of my first priorities is to unify the board and work together’. It’s clear to me that the club needs leadership if we are to come together and be united.

“That’s why, if elected president, my first priority will be to hold a summit of Hawthorn people; past players, club legends, coaches, coterie leaders, administrators, directors, and members – including interstate.

“It’s time to unify our club and heal the divisions that have emerged over the past five years.

“We are the family club at Hawthorn. Most families have arguments, and they work it out and move forward. That will be my first act, if elected president.”

The proposed summit was supported by Gwen Crimmins, the widow of premiership star Peter Crimmins, who has not endorsed either Gowers or Peter Nankivell for president but backed the summit to bring peace to the club.