Hawthorn have offset a disappointing 2009 on the field by announcing a net operating profit of $2.7 million.

The Hawks finished ninth and could not defend their 2008 premiership win, but club president Jeff Kennett said the financial results were pleasing given the difficult economic circumstances.

Kennett predicted 2010 would also be a challenging year for the club's administration.

"I expect the next financial year to be a turbulent and challenging one and that the profits of the last three years are not guaranteed for next year," he said.

Hawthorn said their membership reached 52,929 in 2009, three years ahead of the prediction they would break the 50,000-mark.

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