While in Adelaide to prepare for the Round 7 clash against Port Adelaide, chosen #1 Fan of the week Nicholas Bawden met up with the Hawks at AAMI Stadium during training.
Each week the Club selects a #1 Fan to represent Hawks fans across the world. You can catch our #1 Fans at Hawks training or on match-day, where each fan will get up close to the playing group and Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson prior to the big game.
Nicholas was so humbled by his #1 Fan experience that he decided to write to the Club and President Jeff Kennett. Below is his open email.
Dear Jeff and the Club,
I felt it necessary to write to you and express my absolute joy in being part of the #1 Fan promotion in Adelaide last week.
I will admit to being nervous from the moment we spoke about going to training until arriving at AAMI Stadium on Thursday afternoon. My nerves quickly disappeared when I met Hawthorn's Community Manager Dayna in the rooms prior to training. She made myself and family (wife Annie and daughter Willow) feel welcome and comfortable.
Firstly, the idea of the #1 Fan itself is everything a football and club supporter could wish for, and I am sure those participants prior to me have expressed similar.
It is however, fine to have an idea, but having worked in many large events, the success really is dictated by its delivery. The communication, professionalism and attention to detail from yourself leading up to Thursday and then to Dayna on Thursday night at training (plus Friday night with the football signing) was outstanding - it is no wonder we (the Club) have achieved 50,000+ members consistently over the last few years.
These may be small little things for the Club, but for me it will be an hour or so that I will never forget.
Many members of other clubs that I shared my experience with have all said they wish their club looked after them like Hawthorn.
It's not always easy being an interstate member, but you will certainly never have to worry about whether I (or Willow!) will be re-signing.
Finally, I would appreciate it if you could pass on my sincere thanks to the players who were so accommodating (to me personally - and to my kicking ability), approachable and friendly.
As a friend said to me, it is good to know that the guys you cheer for on the weekend are actually good blokes. Also, to Alastair Clarkson, to give up a few minutes of his time when he was so clearly focussed at his job at hand (preparing the team to win of Friday night) was so generous, and again, will never be forgotten.
With everything going on I never got the chance to personally thank Clarko but would appreciate it if you could pass my thanks on to him.
Thanks again to Dayna and the Hawthorn Football Club and good luck for the remainder of the 2011 season and beyond.
Regards,
Nick, Annie and Willow
The #1 Fan program extends to all Hawks fans throughout the season with a number of new initiatives, including:
- Pre-match #1 fan activities
- AFL Playground outside the MCG
- Hawks Central outside Aurora Stadium
- On-ground activities
- #1 fan of the week
- #1 fan merchandise offers
- MCG Guard of Honour
