The 50th anniversary of the Hawks' first win over Collingwood at Victoria Park was the theme for The Glenferrie Gold, The life patrons of the Hawks Museum's third annual function.
The Hawks' first victory at Collingwood is etched in Hawthorn history. Full forward John Peck marked in the dying seconds and kicked the match-winning goal after the final siren back in Round 13, 1960.
Champion Hawthorn defender Peter Knights, now a marketing executive with the Club, hosted the event that was held both in the Hawks Museum and the Corporate Suite at Waverley Park.
Current coach Alastair Clarkson and CEO Stuart Fox were introduced to the audience, giving an impressive insight of Hawthorn 2010 with an invitation to visit the players training in the gym.
Amongst the many players and partners from the victorious game were Captain Graham Arthur, John Elward, Morton Browne, Graham Cooper, Brian Falconer, Colin Youren, Garry Young, Kevin Connell, Noel Voigt, John Dineen, Bill Shelton, John O'Mahony, Trevor Randall, Coach John Kennedy, Club officials Jack McLeod, Col McKenzie and Harold Kinder.
Also in attendance was John Peck's daughter Kerry Johnson.
With his introduction, Peter Knights enthralled the former players and the Glenferrie Gold members with reminisces from his childhood scrapbook with newspaper cuttings from the match, including a picture of John Peck dressed in the mayoral robes after being named mayor of Hawthorn for a day in honour of the Hawks' famous victory.
His story got even better as Peter Knights reflected on the game. His grandfather, a keen Collingwood supporter took Knights, then an eight year old to his first VFL match with the intention of encouraging him to follow the Magpies.
However Peter had made up his mind and decided whoever won would be his team. When John Peck kicked the winning goal, Knights began his life long journey as a Hawk that has lasted the best part of 50 years.
When it was half-forward Morton Browne's turn to be interviewed, he told the function that his abiding memory was not Peck's kick, but the reaction of coach Kennedy.
He jumped out of his seat as soon as Peck took the mark and raced around the boundary line to stand behind the goal. Peck kicked the ball low and hard, and even before the goal umpire could a judge the kick, Kennedy was jumping around and screaming "goal, goal, goal!"
Folklore has it that Kennedy's wild enthusiasm influenced the goal umpire to signal a goal that many standing behind the goals thought otherwise. Whatever the doubt, the score stood and the game has gone down as a very famous victory for the Hawks, the first at Collingwood.
The Glenferrie Gold members thoroughly enjoyed themselves meeting the players and listening to them speak as they related their time at Hawthorn. Afternoon tea was served with thanks to the kitchen ladies, photos and autographs were the order of the day.
For anyone that wishes to learn more about The Glenferrie Gold or the life patrons of the Hawks Museum please contact the Hawks Museum 9535 3075.
Peter Haby
Hawks Museum
Left to right: John Kennedy, John Elward, Noel Voigt, Morton Browne, John Dineen, Harold Kinder, Bill Shelton, Brian Falconer, Graham Cooper, Kevin Connell, Garry Young, Graham Arthur and Trevor Randall.
