The room was swarming with Hawthorn royalty with Graham Arthur, John Kennedy Snr, Allan Jeans, David Parkin, John Platten, Phil Ryan and Chris Langford all in attendance to share the night with their Hawthorn family.
Distinguished master of ceremonies, Tony Charlton, opened the night with the Hall of Fame, where three great men were inducted:
• Robert DiPierdomenico - 240 matches for the Hawks between 1975 – 1991
• Ken Goddard - Head trainer for 28 years and assistant trainer for eight, Ken has been involved in 17 premierships with the Hawks, which is an AFL record.
• Chris Mew - 230 games for the Hawks between 1980 – 1993
Following the induction of these three men, it was time to announce the new Legend of the Club. Michael Tuck, match record holder for the Australian Football League at 426 games, was only the fourth man to be honoured as a Legend of Hawthorn Football Club and guests were treated to a candid interview with the great man.
After the celebration of the Club’s history, it was time to look forward to the future and specifically the season ahead. Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson spoke about the preparation for season 2008 before handing over to premiership player Ian Paton. Leading into the Guernsey presentation, Ian spoke about what it meant to him to receive his Hawthorn Guernsey for the first time and the pride he took in wearing the brown and gold.
The night concluded with the Confreres player auction, which is an extremely important means of raising funds for the Club. Players are auctioned in lots, providing dividends throughout the year based on ‘best players’ named in the Herald Sun.
Hawthorn players McEntee, Kennedy, Roughhead, Suckling and Franklin enjoy the night
Chris Mew and wife Marg
Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson and wife Caryn
‘Dipper’ proudly shows off his Hall of Fame medal
John Platten inducted Ken Goddard into the Hall of Fame, and shares his locks with him!
Hawthorn Legend Michael Tuck speaks on his career
This painting of Legend Michael Tuck was auctioned on the night
The ladies of Hawthorn enjoy the night
Team Captain Sam Mitchell speaks to the crowd
Past team mates Platten and DiPierdomenico catch-up
New recruit Cyril Rioli is presented with his first Hawthorn Guernsey
On a night when his father was named Legend of the Club, Travis Tuck receives his new number at Hawthorn, 22
The DiPierdomenico family were in tow to share the special moment with Robert
