A major exhibit is being planned to honour the players and officials from 1961 who collectively won the Club’s first premiership. 

Memorabilia will be drawn from the private collections of the players and officials who proudly made Club history. 

This will be the first time that many pieces of personal memorabilia will be seen, including guernseys, boots, trophies and photos that will captivate the hearts of all Hawks fans.

Jack Cunningham is to be thanked for offering the loan of his ‘special trophy’, donated by Mr H. D. Lindsay in recognition of his contribution to the Club’s first flag. 

The trophy is a stainless steel electric jug that Jack and his family still use to this day, engraved with Jack’s outstanding deeds.

Cunningham (1961-63) played 17 games and kicked 14 goals for the Hawks, serving as second rover to Ian Law in the history-making 1961 premiership.

Malcolm Hill has also generously donated CD copies of the radio broadcasts of the last quarters of the Second Semi Final against Melbourne and the Grand Final against Footscray.

The CDs include very emotive summaries of both games by 3AK radio commentators Tony Charlton and Ian Cleland. 

Highlights from these commentaries will be included on the DVD that will come will the book, currently being compiled by the Club to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1961 premiership. 

The book and CD will be launched at a special Club function to be held in August 2011.

Hill (1960-62) played 22 games and kicked 6 goals for Hawthorn, playing an excellent game as forward pocket and interchange ruckman in the 1961 premiership.



Jack Cunningham with his special 1961 Trophy.