Hawthorn’s Past Players and Officials Association gathered for a fun filled evening at their inaugural Gala dinner at Hawthorn Receptions last Saturday 11 August.
Every living player who has represented the mighty Hawks since 1925 was invited, with over 120 Hawks heroes marking the occasion in an evening where old stories were shared, legends were remembered, and mates shared a beer.
Laughter filled the room, on a great night had by all. John O Mahony reflects.
The mood of the evening was set earlier in the day with the team’s resounding victory over Brisbane, which enhanced the Clubs chances of appearing in the final series for the first time since 2001. And of course, the significance of the year itself was not overlooked because it is now 50 years since the Hawthorn Football Club made its first finals appearance under the leadership of Jack Hale and John Kennedy snr. Many players from 1957 were present and received special mention.
The concept was the brainchild of Don Scott who was given the responsibility of organising the dinner and approached the task with his usual drive, enthusiasm and tact.
A buzz of excitement was felt as you entered the venue and the genuine pleasure in catching up with old mates was obvious. How many times did we hear “Gee after all these years, you haven’t changed a bit” which some of us all were so pleased to hear and accept, but knowing that it might have been stretching the truth just a wee bit.
After short welcoming addresses by Ken Beck and Don Scott the first of the three course meal was served, with the room bubbling with animated conversation.
The object of the evening was to give all former and current players the opportunity to get to know their counterparts irrespective of age and era most players wore their Debut Ties which on the night started at No. 278 Wally Bristowe and ranged up to David Loats No. 816.
Initially, attendees were seated in the order that they represented / debuted with the Club. It was great to see two nonagenarians Phil Ryan and Laurie Peters heading Table 1 with Wally Bristowe who played his first game in 1940, and his friend Frank Parker who debuted in 1941. Frank had flown from Pewantin Queensland for the occasion.
At the other end of the spectrum seated at Table 14, the PP&OA would have delighted by the attendance of so many recently retired players - plus current players, Robert Campbell who had played a major role in Hawthorn’s victory earlier in the day as well as injured players Tim Clarke and Michael Osborne.
After the first two courses, all players were then reseated with others who had worn the same guernsey number. By this time of the evening, the logistics of the rearrangement were a little difficult but Don Scott’s persistence eventually achieved the desired result.
All jumper numbers from 1 to 39 were represented by one or more of their owners after which there was a gap to 43 Peter Murnane and another gap to 49 Trevor Randall. The jumper most represented on the night was Number 4 worn by Jack McLeod, Tom Allsop, Morton Browne, Ken Beck, Kelvin Matthews, Peter Russo, Paul Salmon and Rayden Tallis.
After sweets were served, players drifted from table to table chatting with former teammates in a manner which belied the fact that they may not have seen each other for years or even decades. It was a renewal of camaraderie, compliments and insults were traded, egos deflated without offence, professional / social standing and sporting achievements counted for naught. And it was obvious from the noisy outbursts that this tradition still prevails at Hawthorn.
The only downside of the night was the renditions of traditional Hawthorn songs from the 1950’s by the “Four Tone Deafs plus 1”. But Bobbing Up and Down caught everybody’s imagination and it was great to see so much controlled movement so late in the night.
After 5 hours of revelry, the night drew to a close at midnight or there abouts with so many friends to catch up with. God willing we will remedy this next time.
It is not practicable to name all those present but mention should be made collectively of the many interstate and country players who attended. Their efforts were much appreciated by the organisers and even more by their team mates.
Despite early doubts, The Mix and Match theme proved successful and the night was voted a winner. Don Scott, Bob Moore, and Ian Paton together with the committee of the PP&OA must be gratified with the response and encouraged to pursue more functions to rebuild and maintain the sense of belonging. Tthe basis on which we earned the title of The Family Club as far back as the 1950’s.
Special thanks to Don Scott, Ian Paton, Bob Moore (Secretary) who put it all together, and Terry Duggan, Richard Matthews, David Hall and Photographer Extraordinaire Peter Haby who all assisted on the night.
Images description. 'We're a happy team at Hawthorn' - Roy Simmonds banjo, RossGrowcott, John Kennedy snr, Allan Woodley and John O'Mahony.
Image description. 'The good ole boys of 1950-55'- Front row: Lance Wilkinson, RoySimmonds, Tommy Allsop, Jim Robison, Allan Le Nepveu. Back row: PeterKanis, John Kennedy snr, Phil O'Brien, Ian Egerton and Ron Cabble.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.au would like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to the Official Club website.
Every living player who has represented the mighty Hawks since 1925 was invited, with over 120 Hawks heroes marking the occasion in an evening where old stories were shared, legends were remembered, and mates shared a beer.
Laughter filled the room, on a great night had by all. John O Mahony reflects.
The mood of the evening was set earlier in the day with the team’s resounding victory over Brisbane, which enhanced the Clubs chances of appearing in the final series for the first time since 2001. And of course, the significance of the year itself was not overlooked because it is now 50 years since the Hawthorn Football Club made its first finals appearance under the leadership of Jack Hale and John Kennedy snr. Many players from 1957 were present and received special mention.
The concept was the brainchild of Don Scott who was given the responsibility of organising the dinner and approached the task with his usual drive, enthusiasm and tact.
A buzz of excitement was felt as you entered the venue and the genuine pleasure in catching up with old mates was obvious. How many times did we hear “Gee after all these years, you haven’t changed a bit” which some of us all were so pleased to hear and accept, but knowing that it might have been stretching the truth just a wee bit.
After short welcoming addresses by Ken Beck and Don Scott the first of the three course meal was served, with the room bubbling with animated conversation.
The object of the evening was to give all former and current players the opportunity to get to know their counterparts irrespective of age and era most players wore their Debut Ties which on the night started at No. 278 Wally Bristowe and ranged up to David Loats No. 816.
Initially, attendees were seated in the order that they represented / debuted with the Club. It was great to see two nonagenarians Phil Ryan and Laurie Peters heading Table 1 with Wally Bristowe who played his first game in 1940, and his friend Frank Parker who debuted in 1941. Frank had flown from Pewantin Queensland for the occasion.
At the other end of the spectrum seated at Table 14, the PP&OA would have delighted by the attendance of so many recently retired players - plus current players, Robert Campbell who had played a major role in Hawthorn’s victory earlier in the day as well as injured players Tim Clarke and Michael Osborne.
After the first two courses, all players were then reseated with others who had worn the same guernsey number. By this time of the evening, the logistics of the rearrangement were a little difficult but Don Scott’s persistence eventually achieved the desired result.
All jumper numbers from 1 to 39 were represented by one or more of their owners after which there was a gap to 43 Peter Murnane and another gap to 49 Trevor Randall. The jumper most represented on the night was Number 4 worn by Jack McLeod, Tom Allsop, Morton Browne, Ken Beck, Kelvin Matthews, Peter Russo, Paul Salmon and Rayden Tallis.
After sweets were served, players drifted from table to table chatting with former teammates in a manner which belied the fact that they may not have seen each other for years or even decades. It was a renewal of camaraderie, compliments and insults were traded, egos deflated without offence, professional / social standing and sporting achievements counted for naught. And it was obvious from the noisy outbursts that this tradition still prevails at Hawthorn.
The only downside of the night was the renditions of traditional Hawthorn songs from the 1950’s by the “Four Tone Deafs plus 1”. But Bobbing Up and Down caught everybody’s imagination and it was great to see so much controlled movement so late in the night.
After 5 hours of revelry, the night drew to a close at midnight or there abouts with so many friends to catch up with. God willing we will remedy this next time.
It is not practicable to name all those present but mention should be made collectively of the many interstate and country players who attended. Their efforts were much appreciated by the organisers and even more by their team mates.
Despite early doubts, The Mix and Match theme proved successful and the night was voted a winner. Don Scott, Bob Moore, and Ian Paton together with the committee of the PP&OA must be gratified with the response and encouraged to pursue more functions to rebuild and maintain the sense of belonging. Tthe basis on which we earned the title of The Family Club as far back as the 1950’s.
Special thanks to Don Scott, Ian Paton, Bob Moore (Secretary) who put it all together, and Terry Duggan, Richard Matthews, David Hall and Photographer Extraordinaire Peter Haby who all assisted on the night.
Images description. 'We're a happy team at Hawthorn' - Roy Simmonds banjo, RossGrowcott, John Kennedy snr, Allan Woodley and John O'Mahony.
Image description. 'The good ole boys of 1950-55'- Front row: Lance Wilkinson, RoySimmonds, Tommy Allsop, Jim Robison, Allan Le Nepveu. Back row: PeterKanis, John Kennedy snr, Phil O'Brien, Ian Egerton and Ron Cabble.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.au would like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to the Official Club website.
