In 332 games in the brown and gold his accolades included 915 goals, four premierships, Victoria representative 14 times, 1975 Coleman Medal and a record eight Peter Crimmins Medals.
When Leigh’s playing career concluded, his influence on the game continued as coach of Collingwood, which included 224 matches and a premiership in 1990. He was then appointed Senior Coach at Brisbane Lions, notching up a further 237 games and three more premierships.
During his coaching career Leigh became an inaugural member of the AFL Hall of Fame, achieving Legend status, and was officially recognised as the ‘Player of the Century’.
Due to his coaching and media commitments, 25 years have passed since Leigh Matthews has been directly involved with Hawthorn Football Club.
Recently, Hawthorn invited Leigh to return to where his illustrious career began to assist in the Club’s 2012 ALWAYS HAWTHORN membership campaign.
Unbeknownst to Leigh, the genesis of the campaign was born from an interview he did with journalist Mike Sheahan on Fox Sports’ Open Mike program (screened 28 March 2011).
In the interview, Leigh spoke about his strong alignment with Hawthorn Football Club despite having experienced 25 years away from, or in opposition to, the Club.
In response to a question from Mike asking if Leigh believed he is a Hawthorn man, the Hawks Legend answered, “Hawthorn’s been the opposition for 25 years, but the Club you played for is the one that embraces you as part of them much more than the teams that you’ve coached...”
“So I think in time, I’ll always feel a bit more aligned to Hawthorn than the other clubs I’ve been heavily involved with,” Matthews said.
The outcome of Leigh’s recent visit to Hawthorn was a video message (above) to members and supporters, with a passionate description of what makes him ALWAYS HAWTHORN.
Since Leigh’s involvement a number of Hawthorn fans, celebrities and past and present players have also taken part in the Club’s ALWAYS HAWTHORN campaign.
Some faces you will see in the campaign include past players Gary Ayres and Peter Knights, number one female ticket holder Helen Kapalos and passionate members Andrew, Jess, Lucas and Trevor.
To view their ALWAYS HAWTHORN stories, visit our membership website
You are ALWAYS HAWTHORN if your allegiance to the Hawks is never-ending.
Whether you are a past-player, an official, a member or a supporter, everyone knows the moment they became ALWAYS HAWTHORN.
Show you’re ALWAYS HAWTHORN by becoming a 2012 member.
2012 Hawks members - download your ALWAYS HAWTHORN wallpaper, iPhone background, facebook profile picture and twibbon
