As far back as 1958, our first final ever at the MCG. I was there with Mum and a school friend (who used to cry every time we lost, and he cried a lot in the early years). It was a terrible day, we got soaked and there was a huge hail storm as well.
After that year, we knew things were going to get better for our Club. Fast forward to the 1961 Grand Final. A beautiful day weather-wise, and my friend and I had by now progressed to the cheer-squad, however not all of us could get tickets together, but after a bit of skullduggery we all managed to squeeze into a couple of rows to see our boys win our first ever grand final and what a thrill it was.
The cheer squad used to sit up in the back corner of the grandstand at Hawthorn, complete with buglers, letters spelling out Hawthorn and lots of streamers. Those days were some of the most memorable of my time following the Hawks. We would also meet up at away games to support our boys.
I have so many great memories of our Club, all the premierships, of which I have been lucky enough to attend all of them. The celebrations afterwards at the ground and on the Sunday seeing all the players introduced. I can remember trying to sneak into the Social Club at Glenferrie after one premiership. We eventually succeeded and had a wonderful night. I even got to have a sip from the cup.
I could go on and on, the 70, which a lot of people tend to forget, were very successful for us, and what can you say about the 80’s that haven’t been documented? The future is going to be great, we have a great talented bunch of boys as they proved last year and 2010 will see us back where we belong.
The year of the failed merger, (thank heavens), the meeting at Camberwell was something to be involved in. I have never seen such passion as was shown that night.
Finally, I am absolutely thrilled to receive my Loyalty Certificate. It arrived today and is already framed and on the wall for everyone to see.
Although our season is only just over, I can't wait for next year.
