The last four weeks have produced some wonderful results. Not only the four points, but wins in very trying conditions against Fremantle in WA and North Melbourne at Aurora Stadium. The win against Port Adelaide will be remembered for the way in which the team played out the match with intensity regardless of our large lead over Port.
On Friday night both we and Carlton (third and fourth on the ladder) were both playing to secure a final four position to finish the season.
It was always going to be a tough game. Carlton has enjoyed great success this year, and with a wonderful centre-line and a will to compete it was a game on which the tipsters were evenly divided when selecting the winner.
Our first half was as good as we have played this year. Wonderful teamwork, unselfish play, excellent delivery of the ball to teammates.
The second half saw Carlton lift considerably, but our boys stayed focused and lifted when necessary to secure both the four points and that top four position.
Jordan Lewis was awarded the David Parkin Medal for best on ground - deservedly so for restricting Chris Judd’s contribution to the game to a minimum. But there were others who played at full tilt.
I do not think any of us can underestimate the importance of David Hale in our team. His performance over the last few weeks has just been getting better and better. A great competitor, a reliable and strong mark.
Josh Gibson - what a performance. He also is leading by example, not only in denying our opposition forwards the opportunity to contribute as they would wish, but every time he gets knocked down he, along with Brent Guerra just roll back up and continue to perform without fear.
Our Captain Luke Hodge leads by example, and our young Hawks fly with a speed and endeavour we love to watch.
Liam Shiels, Luke Breust and Isaac Smith, what contributors they were, what champions of tomorrow.
If we could ever put four quarters together as we did the first two on Friday night we would be as good as any team in the competition.
The last four weeks have shown improvement each match. Our coaches tweaking the team each week.
Again, it is not where you start but where you finish the season that matters.
We still have two matches to complete the season, Western Bulldogs next week at the MCG. Be there please!
Then the Gold Coast Suns on the Gold Coast, and I know many are travelling north for our first game at the Suns’ new home.
It was fantastic seeing all the brown and gold on Friday night. In fact, I think there we had just as many supporters there as Carlton did. When we turn out in such numbers, when we lift our voices, we lift our team, so please for our last home and away game at the MCG this year; let’s see if the vast majority of our 56,000 plus members can be there.
Felicity and I also attended the Confreres 50th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday night. This enthusiastic group of supporters was founded 50 years ago by the father of our 1961 premiership player John Winneke, Sir John Winneke. A great night, thank you all for the support you have consistently given the Club.
It is only a few weeks away - 50 years ago that Hawthorn won its first premiership - and this Thursday we have the Gold’n Brown Jubilee, celebrating the 1961 premiership.
If you wish to attend the special event at Leonda by the Yarra and have not yet booked, email events@hawthornfc.com.au or call 9535 3069.
For now, all eyes are on this week at the MCG. See you there.
Jeff Kennett
President
