Hawthorn Football Club

Hawthorn Football Club

Full name	Hawthorn Football Club
Sport	Australian rules football
Founded	1902
League	Australian Football League
Home ground	Melbourne Cricket Ground
Anthem	We're a happy team at Hawthorn
President	Jeff Kennett
Head coach	Alastair Clarkson
Captain	Richard Vandenberg
2007	5th (Round 22)
Strip
Vertical brown and gold striped guernsey

Hawthorn Football Club, nicknamed The Hawks, are an Australian rules football club playing in the Australian Football League (AFL). They play in brown and gold vertically striped guernseys.

The Hawks' origins are in the inner eastern Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn and Glenferrie Oval. Glenferrie Oval has traditionally been the club's administrative and training base and social club in Linda Crescent in Hawthorn. Matches have not been played there since 1973, when home matches were moved to Princes Park. In 2006, they moved their administration from Glenferrie to Waverley Park - in Melbourne's Outer East, and will play 4 games a year in their second home of Aurora Stadium in Launceston, Tasmania from 2007. The remaining 7 home games will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Club History

Early years

The origins of the Hawthorn Football club are obscure and subject to much debate. Very few records were kept and the early history subject to interpretation and embellishment.

The official club history books and many supporters strongly believe that the club's origins date back to its founding in 1873 at a meeting at the Hawthorne Hotel. Although a Hawthorn Football Club did indeed form at this time and the region has since continuously been represented by a football team, it is unclear if it is related to the Hawthorn which competes at AFL level today. It is more likely that today's club is actually the third club to carry the name "Hawthorn Football Club". The Daily Telegraph Saturday May 12 1883:- "The Hawthorn Club having disbanded, all engagements for the ensuing season have been cancelled.". In 1889, the Riversdale Football Club (formed in 1880) is reported to have changed its name to the Hawthorn Football Club . This club also ceased in 1890. No Hawthorn club existed in 1890 - 92.

A new representative club, called the "Hawthorn Football Club" was formed in 1893, which competed in the Victorian Junior Football Association until 1898. Without a ground to play on the club was disbanded in 1899.

In April 1902, Alf Kosky formed a club from the various district club under the banner of Hawthorn Football Club to compete in the Metropolitan Junior Football Association. The club merged with Boroondara in 1905, and in 1912, Hawthorn merged with successful junior club the Hawthorn Rovers to form the Hawthorn City Football Club to become part of a successful council push to have a club in the prestigious VFA.

Entry to the VFL

The club was relatively late in joining the Victorian Football League (VFL), the predecessor of the AFL. It did so in 1925 as the "Hawthorn Football Club", at the same time as Footscray and North Melbourne, all three coming from the Victorian Football Association (VFA).

The Mayblooms, as they were known then became the perennial whipping boys of the competition. They had an almost casual attitude towards playing football and were not able to even pay their players the match payment then allowed by the Coulter Law. Despite the presence of a number of truly classy players such as Bert Hyde, Bert Mills, Stan Spinks, Alec Albiston and Col Austen, Hawthorn in the first seventeen years never won more than seven games in season. The club's nickname changed from the Mayblooms or Mayflowers to Hawks in 1943, a promising season in which the club missed the finals only by percentage. However, Hawthorn immediately returned to the bottom of the ladder, consistently competing with St. Kilda for the wooden spoon. Between 1944 and 1953 the club finished last or second last in every year but one, and in 1950 they did not win a match.

The arrival of Jack Hale as coach was the decisive step in the movement of Hawthorn away from the bottom of the ladder. He eliminated the casual attitude that prevailed at the club during its first thirty years in the VFL and made the club greatly less accepting of defeat than before. Although Hawthorn finished last in 1953, from the following year improvement was steady. Hawthorn won eight games each in 1954 and 1955 as against no more than five in any season from 1946 to 1953, whilst the following year, although the seniors showed a slight decline to seven wins and a draw, the reserve grade side gave them their first finals appearance in any grade. The following year the senior team broke through to their first finals appearance, in which year Cyril Collard became the first indigenous Australian to play for Hawthorn. After three seasons in mid-table Hawthorn went further than ever before in 1961, winning their first premiership by defeating Footscray. 1960 Club Champion Brendan Edwards was acknowledged as the star of this win which marked the first of three flags for coach John Kennedy, a Hawthorn legend.

However, Hawthorn fell right back in 1962 winning only five games, and despite rising temporarily to runners-up in 1963 they fell back again to be last in 1965 with only four wins. They struggled for the rest of the 1960s until Peter Hudson joined them and immediately became the competition's best full-forward. In 1968 he kicked 125 goals, in 1969 120, and in 1970 a home-and-away record of 146 goals. Despite this, Hawthorn still failed to make the finals, but the acquisition of the powerful Mornington Peninsula recruiting zone gave the club a huge boost in its quest for success and permitted the club a much more powerful list then ever before.

1970s

Statue of former Hawthorn player, Leigh Matthews at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

In the 1970s Hawthorn had more success winning three flags. During the 1970s a strong rivalry grew with North Melbourne and they met in three grand finals with the Hawks prevailing twice.

The 1971 Grand Final was between Hawthorn (coached by Hawthorn legend John Kennedy Snr) & St Kilda coached by Allan Jeans who would later move to Hawthorn and enjoy success as the Hawks coach in the 1980s. The match was played before 118,192 people at the MCG on a fine and sunny Melbourne day. Hawthorn went into the match without inspirational centre half back Peter Knights who had suffered a severe knee injury two weeks earlier. A hard tough game, the Saints led the Hawks by 20 points going into the last quarter. Hawks 5.7.37 to the Saints 8.9.57. For the Saints however as coach Allan Jeans was to comment "The season was just 25 minutes too long" as 'Kennedy's Commando's' (the term given to the team after the coach's tough physical training program and loudly proclaimed in the huge banners that swept around the MCG (now sadly replaced by advertising signs)) came into force. The Hawks moved Peter Hudson out to centre half forward and Bob Keddie into the goal square. The Hawks slammed on seven goals to three in that final quarter with Keddie kicking four to run out winners 12.10.82 to the Saints 11.9.75. The final term saw ten goals being scored.

The 1976 Grand Final was inspired by the illness of former vice-captain Peter Crimmins who died a week after the victory from cancer, and by the humilating defeat of the 1975 Grand Final loss to the North Melbourne Kangaroos. The Hawks greats such as the prolific goal-kicker Peter Hudson, rover Leigh Matthews, back pocket & future coach David Parkin, ruckman Don Scott, full back Kelvin Moore and centre half-back Peter Knights played through this era. The Hawks were in control for most of the day, with John Hendrie being voted best on ground.

1980s

Hawthorn 1980s shield logo

Their greatest era was undoubtedly the 1980s, where the team won four premierships and played in the grand final seven years in succession, including three in a row against arch enemy Essendon. The decade started poorly, with Hawthorn falling to eighth and seen by most critics as a spent force. However, the power of their recruiting zones made sure this was not to be.

The first of four Grand Final wins for the decade was in 1983, with Hawthorn (20.20) defeating Essendon (8.9). 1983 would mark Hawthorn being in the finals for 13 years in a row. Their second premiership would come three years later in the 1986 Grand Final, which saw Hawthorn (16.14) defeat Carlton (9.14). The decade closed on a high-note for the Hawks, who would win back to back premierships first in 1988 (22.20) against Melbourne (6.20), and again a year later in 1989, (21.18) against Geelong (21.12). Their fast-paced style of play was copied by the West Coast Eagles who became the powerful club of the early 1990s. Other clubs have had success since but none have matched the dominance of the Hawks in this period. Leading players of the 1980s included Dermott Brereton, Gary Ayres, Michael Tuck, Jason Dunstall, Gary Buckenara, John Platten and Chris Langford.

The 1989 Grand Final victory over Geelong is widely regarded as one of the greatest and toughest Grand Finals in the history of the competition.

1990s

In 1992 they moved their home games to Waverley Park in Mulgrave in Melbourne's south-east after previously sharing Princes Park with Carlton. To further strengthen their links with the area a second social club was established nearby at the Waverley Gardens shopping centre. The club, which operates as a gaming venue, has also been a lucrative source of revenue for the club. The Hawks won their most recent grand final in 1991 as well. Grand Final day 1991 was an historic occasion. It was the only Grand Final played at Waverley Park and featured the first ever appearance by a non-Victorian team on the big day. West Coast had dominated the home and away season but Hawthorn, written off by many early in the season, had slowly gathered momentum and had stunned the Eagles by winning the first ever Final played outside Victoria. West Coast began the re-match kicking with the aid of a strong wind blowing down to the main scoreboard end and kicked the opening four goals. However, from that point the Hawks began to gain the ascendancy and, apart from inaccuracy in the second term, would have had a significant half time lead. Having maintained the half-time margin, against the wind, in the third term, the Hawks slammed on 8.4 to 1.3 to win a fifth Flag in nine seasons. Michael Tuck, Chris Mew, Gary Ayres and Dermott Brereton had played in all five. A feature of the Hawks’ performance was that its two best players – Paul Dear and Stephen Lawrence - were from the team’s younger brigade. It was to prove to be Michael Tuck’s last game and he bowed out with the League record for games (426), finals (39), Grand Finals (11) and Premierships (7).

2000s Pt 1 - The Peter Schwab Era

Peter Schwab was made coach of the Hawks for the 2000 season. The Hawks reached the semi-final before losing to the reigning premiers the North Melbourne Kangaroos. Made steady progress all over the field. Daniel Chick and Nick Holland were the joint winners of the Best and Fairest.

In 2001 the Hawks again enjoyed a successful year, but it was to be their last for several seasons. The Hawks won 8 games straight at the start of the season and, despite faltering in the middle part of the year, made it to the Preliminary Final, which they narrowly lost to Essendon. In the off-season, Hawthorn traded Trent Croad and Luke McPharlin for the no.1 Draft Pick Luke Hodge, and no.36 Sam Mitchell. In retrospect, the Hawks are seen to have won this trade. Trent Croad would, ironically, return to Hawthorn two years later via a trade of pick 10 Ryley Dunn, citing home sickness as a reason for his departure.

The Hawks missed the finals altogether in 2002. The Hawks finished 10th, which was considered to be a very disappointing result for the club. Shane Crawford won the Best and Fairest after another stellar season. In the off-season, the Hawks again proved to be big players, and snared the services of super-star ruck man Peter Everitt.

After a poor start to the 2003 season, the Hawks went on to finish the second half of the year strongly and finished in 9th place, narrowly missing the finals. Sam Mitchell shone for the Hawks and won the Rising Star Award. This form had punters excited and the team were early favourites for a top 4 finish the next year. Shane Crawford once again won the Best and Fairest, with 'Crawf' also coming second in the Brownlow medal, by a single vote.

During the 2004 pre season Hawthorn coach Peter Schwab declared that the Hawks would be aiming to win the premiership although this statement would be followed by a horrific season for Hawthorn as the Hawks managed just 4 wins and 18 losses. The club imploded, and by mid-season coach Peter Schwab was sacked, and Captain Shane Crawford broke his arm, and eventually relinquished the captaincy. Following the collapse of the club on the field, many players either left or were sacked from the club. Nathan Thompson left the club citing a fresh start following his admission that he suffered from depression. Raydon Tallis, Mark Graham, Kris Barlow and Lance Picione were also released from the club. More than 700 games of experience left the club following the season.

2000s Pt 2 - The Clarkson Era

Alastair Clarkson was appointed coach before the conclusion of the 2004 season and promptly delisted many players who were either underperforming or not fitting in with his youth policy which he embarked on to rebuild the club. The Hawks took Jarryd Roughead, Lance Franklin, Jordan Lewis at picks 2, 5 and 7 respectively in the AFL Draft. In the pre-season AFL Draft, former Hawk Trent Croad who had played for the Fremantle Dockers for 2 years returned to his original side.

With Clarkson at the helm, the Hawks made solid progress, and instituted a culture of discipline at the club. The Hawks won only 6 games and played a widely criticised high-possession gameplan and finished in 14th position. Hawks fans still deemed it to be a somewhat successful season. Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and Jordan Lewis all won Rising Star Nominations. Shane Crawford also had a return to form after a terrible 2004 when he broke his arm, and finished 3rd in the Peter Crimmins Medal.

The success story of the year was former No.1 Draft Pick Luke Hodge, who became a super-star off half back, winning the Peter Crimmins Medal, All-Australian jumper and coming equal 4th in the Brownlow Medal, collecting 15 votes. Peter Everitt and Trent Croad were also named in the All-Australian team.

The Hawks were again busy in the off-season, trading players for draft picks. The Hawks ended Trade Week with 5 top 20 draft picks, further reinforcing their youth-policy.

In 2006, after a flyer start, being 4-1 Win/Loss ratio after the first 5 rounds, the Hawks faltered and fell to a 6 game losing streak before breaking the drought against Richmond in round 12, when Lance Franklin booted 6 goals. A further 6 game losing streak ensued, before another 6 goal burst from "Buddy" in round 19 against Carlton was the spark to a final 4 game winning streak, which helped the Hawks leap frog Port Adelaide, the Kangaroos, and Brisbane to finish the year in 11th place.

Despite finishing the 2006 season in 11th place, the Hawks have supporters excited and have a lot of talent to work with in the years to come. Their run-with-the-ball game style has been praised, and as a result Coach Alastair Clarkson was rewarded with a new 2 year contract after the mid-season break.

The Hawks also relocated their administrative headquarters from Glenferrie Oval, and moved to Waverley Park in the early stages of 2006. Glenferrie Oval still remains the spiritual home of the football club.

At the end of the 2006 season, the Hawks increased their commitment to Tasmanian market - where they have developed a large support base - with 4 games to be played at Aurora Stadium in Launceston, involving the Tasmanian government becoming an official sponsor of the club, in one of the biggest sponsorship deals in Australian sporting history worth $15-20 million dollars.

The remaining 7 home games and several away games will be played at the MCG, giving the club a significant number of home and away games at the ground.

The club recorded its 10th consecutive year-end profit at the close of the 2006 season

Current Season

Round	Opposition Team	Venue	Result	Game Summary
1	Brisbane Lions	Gabba	Loss	The Hawks had a disastrous start to season 2007, hammered by the Brisbane Lions after the Hawks played a style of game described as wasteful and over possessive. Lions by 25 points - 9.15.69 to 6.8.44
2	Melbourne Demons	MCG	Win	On Easter Monday, they bounced back and defeated Melbourne, in a game which saw Brad Sewell restricting key Demon Travis Johnstone to just eight touches of the ball. Following the match, Luke Hodge signed a two-year deal with the Hawks. Hawks by 22 points - 17.14.116 to 14.10.94
3	Kangaroos	Telstra Dome	Win	Round 3 saw the Hawks manage an un-pretty win against the Kangaroos. The Hawks struggled in the first half and went into the second half down by 10 points. The Hawks broke free from the Kangaroos in the second half, with their lead at one point blowing out to 5 goals. Late goals to the Kangaroos bought it back to 21 points by the final siren, best players were Sam Mitchell with 33 disposals, Mark Williams with 4 goals and for the second week running Brad Sewell. Hawks by 21 points - 13.13.91 to 10.10.70
4	Geelong Cats	Aurora Stadium	Win	Round 4 in Tasmania hosted a windy and scrappy game, with Hawthorn coming from behind to defeat Geelong, after the Cats led at every break. Hawks by 4 points - 10.16.76 to 9.18.72
5	Western Bulldogs	MCG	Loss	Hawthorn waste golden opportunites all day, eventually going down to the Bulldogs. Trailed by as much by 38 points, but a spirited comeback just falls short. Bulldogs by 17 points - 16.14.110 to 13.15.93
6	Essendon Bombers	MCG	Win	Round 6 was memorable for emerging star forward Lance Franklin, who kicked 9 goals in Hawthorn's defeat of Essendon. This was considered a remarkable feat, and had not been achieved by a Hawthorn player since Jason Dunstall in 1996. Hawks by 35 points - 20.11.131 to 15.6.96
7	Fremantle Dockers	Subiaco	Loss	Hawthorn, 28 points up early in the second term, looked to be cruising, before a Docker barrage of goals. Hawthorn, still in front at the 11 minute mark of the final term could not hold out the Dockers, who ran out winners. Dockers by 15 points - 14.12.96 to 11.14.80
8	St Kilda Saints	MCG	Win	Both clubs accused of flooding and playing a poor standard of football, only 7 goals are kicked to 3/4 time, before Hawthorn power away in the last quarter. Hawks by 28 points - 10.12.72 to 6.8.44
9	West Coast Eagles	Aurora Stadium	Win	Big coming of age win over the reigning premiers in Tassie. Another thrilling match up between Brad Sewell and Chris Judd, who was accused of eye-gouging Campbell Brown. Judd was cleared. Hawks by 35 points - 15.9.99 to 8.16.64
10	Port Adelaide Power	AAMI Stadium	Win	After a slow start, a formidable Hawthorn deconstructed several strong Port Adelaide charges in the third quarter to stride to their 3rd straight win. Hawks by 34 points - 17.7.109 to 10.15.75
11	Sydney Swans	MCG	Loss	Peter Everitt's first game against his old club. Lance Franklin starred with six goals out of a total of 9, but that wasn't enough as the Swans emerged victors. Swans by 9 points - 11.9.75 to 9.12.66
12	Carlton Blues	Telstra Dome	Win	Hawks were strong all night against the Blues beating them by an even 100 points (the first time the Hawks have done this since 1992). Roughhead kicked 5 goals, Hodge 4, while Boyle, R Ladson, T Croad scored 3 goals each. Hawks by 100 points - 27.18.180 to 12.8.80
13	Collingwood Magpies	Telstra Dome	Win	A tough, tight match - the game was billed as being a potential prelude to the finals. Hawthorn held onto a narrow lead all day, aided by their own accuracy and Collingwood's lack of it. The Hawks were challenged when the Pies kicked three quick goals to steal the lead at the 17 minute mark of the final term, but Osborne and Roughead steadied the ship. Hawks by 8 points - 15.5.95 to 12.15.87
14	Adelaide Crows	AAMI Stadium	Loss	The Hawks were smashed, kicking a total of 4.7 (31), their lowest score since 1975. Crows by 71 points - 15.12.102 to 4.7.31
15	Richmond Tigers	MCG	Win	After trailing early in the match, the Hawks won comfortably. Jarryd Roughead kicked five, Lance Franklin four. Hawks by 53 points - 19.15.129 to 11.10.76
16	St Kilda Saints	Telstra Dome	Loss	Hawthorn lost by 17 points in what was Saints captain Luke Ball's 100th game. The Hawks never looked capable of taking the points despite Franklin kicking the last 3 goals of the match in time on. Saints by 17 points - 14.11.95 to 11.12.78
17	Kangaroos	Aurora Stadium	Loss	Hawthorn lost a rare game in Tassie, their inaccurate kicking proving costly against the superior Kangaroos outfit. Missing key players (Franklin and Mitchell), also proved severely costly. Beau Dowler played his first match for season 2007, and kicked his first two goals in his AFL career. Travis Tuck, son of Hawthorn legend Michael Tuck, debuted and it seemed like a good decision to reveal a new player to AFL football. Kangaroos by 37 points - 16.12.108 to 10.11.71
18	Essendon Bombers	MCG	Win	Hawthorn answered their critics with a thrashing of Essendon, in doing so reclaiming a spot in the top four. Franklin's four goals raised his hopes of a rare Coleman Medal win. Hawks by 63 points - 17.17.119 to 7.14.56
19	Brisbane Lions	MCG	Win	A determined Hawthorn outplayed and outran a competitive Brisbane Lions team, to avenge their round 1 defeat, with a convincing victory, cementing a finals birth for 2007 - their first since 2001. Hawks by 24 points - 17.13.115 to 13.13.91
20	Port Adelaide Power	Aurora Stadium	Loss	Hawthorn suffered undoubtably it's most shattering loss of the season, going down to Port in the final seconds of the match after holding on to a narrow lead through most of the final term. Power by 5 points - 12.15.87 to 12.10.82
21	Western Bulldogs	Telstra Dome	Win	This was a great team effort by the Hawks, coming back from a 5 goal deficit to win comfortably in what ended up being a 115 point turnaround. Luke Hodge starred with 34 possessions and 6 goals. Hawks by 84 points - 22.19.151 to 10.7.67
22	Sydney Swans	SCG	Loss	Hawthorn left their biggest and most disappointing loss to the end of the season, going down in embarrassing circumstances to a highly fancied Sydney Swans outfit. Trailing 14 goals to 3 at half time, the Hawks were never in the contest, with only a little burst in the 3rd quarter avoiding a complete white wash. A costly loss for the Hawks, as it denied them a spot in the top 4. The Hawks must now play an in-form Adelaide Crows in an Elimination Final at the Telstra Dome. Swans by 72 points - 22.9.141 to 10.9.69
EF1	Adelaide Crows	Telstra Dome	Win	The Hawks, playing in their first finals series since 2001, were in for a hard game against Adelaide who were favourites to win. Adelaide pulled away a few times in the match, but the Hawks were able to close the gap on multiple occasions. In the last term they stepped it up a notch, with Lance 'Buddy' Franklin kicking the winning goal with 7 seconds left to finish with 7 goals for the day. Shane Crawford had a standout game and Luke Hodge was very courageous, playing a terrific game with a knee injury. They now play the Kangaroos next week at the MCG. Hawks by 3 points - 15.15.105 to 15.12.102
SF1	Kangaroos	MCG	Loss	Hawthorn fought hard all night, but were run over the top of by the Kanegaroos. "Buddy" Franklin could not repeat his heroics from the previous week, as the roos ran out victors by 33 points. Kangaroos 14.9.93 to Hawthorn 8.12.60. Club Honour Board Year Finishing position Coach Captain Best and Fairest Leading Goalkicker 1925 12th Alec Hall Jim Jackson - Leslie Woodford (35) 1926 11th Dan Minogue Dan Minogue - Bert Hyde (27) 1927 12th Dan Minogue Pat Burke - Bert Hyde (41) 1928 12th Bert Sutton Bert Sutton - Bert Hyde (62) 1929 10th Bert Chadwich Bert Chadwich - Bert Hyde (47) 1930 10th John Harris John Harris - Bert Hyde (52) 1931 11th John Harris John Harris - Jack Ryan (39) 1932 12th Jim Jackson Bert Mills Stan Spinks Jack Ryan (37) 1933 11th Bill Twomey Bill Twomey Bert Mills Ted Pool (27) 1934 11th Bill Twomey Bert Mills Ernie Loveless Jack Green (80) 1935 10th Ivan McAlpine Ivan McAlpine Bert Mills Jack Green (63) 1936 9th Ivan McAlpine Ivan McAlpine Leo Murphy Norm Hillard (26) 1937 8th Ivan McAlpine Ivan McAlpine Leo Murphy Norm Hillard (31) 1938 11th Ivan McAlpine Bert Mills Stan Spinks Alby Naismith (30) 1939 10th Len Thomas Len Tomas Bert Mills Alec Albiston (37) 1940 9th Bert Mills Bert Mills Andy Angwin Alby Naismith (25) 1941 12th Bert Mills Bert Mills Alec Albiston Alec Albiston (57) 1942 11th Roy Cazaly Jack Carmody Jack Barker Alec Albiston (32) 1943 5th Roy Cazaly Bob Williams Jim Bohan Wally Culpitt (43) 1944 11th Tommy Lahiff Jim Bohan Jim Blackman Wally Culpitt (57) 1945 10th Keith Shea Keith Shea Jim Bohan Alec Albiston (66) 1946 12th Keith Shea Jim Bohan Alec Albiston Albert Prior (52) 1947 11th Alec Albiston Alec Albiston Wally Culpitt Albert Prior (67) 1948 11th Alec Albiston Alec Albiston Kevin Curran Albert Prior (47) 1949 12th Alec Albiston Alec Albiston Col Austen Albert Prior (48) 1950 12th Bob McCaskill Peter O’Donohue, Kevin Curran John Kennedy Gordon Anderson (21) 1951 11th Bob McCaskill Peter O’Donohue, Kevin Curran John Kennedy Pat Cash (26) 1952 11th Jack Hale, Bob McCaskill Peter O’Donohue John Kennedy John McDonald (25) 1953 12th Jack Hale Ted Fletcher Ted Fletcher Kevin Coghlan (19) 1954 9th Jack Hale Ted Fletcher John Kennedy Kevin Coghlan (27) 1955 8th Jack Hale John Kennedy Graham Arthur Kevin Coghlan (28) 1956 7th Jack Hale John Kennedy Roy Simmonds John Peck (31) 1957 3rd Jack Hale John Kennedy Alf Hughes Terry Ingersoll (33) 1958 6th Jack Hale John Kennedy Graham Arthur John Peck (27) 1959 7th Jack Hale John Kennedy Allan Woodley Gary Young (35) 1960 5th John Kennedy Graham Arthur Bredan Edwards Gary Young (36) 1961 Premiers John Kennedy Graham Arthur Ian Law John Peck (49) 1962 9th John Kennedy Graham Arthur Graham Arthur John Peck (38) 1963 2nd John Kennedy Graham Arthur Ian Law John Peck (75*) 1964 5th Graham Arthur Graham Arthur Ian Law John Peck (68*) 1965 12th Graham Arthur Graham Arthur, John Peck David Parkin John Peck (56*) 1966 9th Peter O’Donohue Graham Arthur Ray Wilson John Peck (32) 1967 10th John Kennedy Graham Arthur Bob Keddie Peter Hudson (57) 1968 6th John Kennedy Graham Arthur Peter Hudson Peter Hudson (125*) 1969 5th John Kennedy David Parkin Bob Keddie Peter Hudson (120) 1970 8th John Kennedy David Parkin Peter Hudson Peter Hudson (146*) 1971 Premiers John Kennedy David Parkin Leigh Matthews Peter Hudson (150) 1972 6th John Kennedy David Parkin Leigh Matthews Peter Knights (46) 1973 7th John Kennedy David Parkin Don Scott Leigh Matthews (51) 1974 3rd John Kennedy Peter Crimmins Leigh Matthews Michael Moncrieff (67) 1975 2nd John Kennedy Peter Crimmins Peter Knights Leigh Matthews (68*) 1976 Premiers John Kennedy Don Scott Leigh Matthews Michael Moncrieff (97) 1977 3rd David Parkin Don Scott Leigh Matthews Peter Hudson (110*) 1978 Premiers David Parkin Don Soctt Leigh Matthews Michael Moncrieff (90) 1979 7th David Parkin Don Scott Kelvin Moore Michael Moncrieff (45) 1980 8th David Parkin Don Scott Leigh Matthews Michael Moncrieff (86) 1981 6th Allan Jeans Leigh Matthews Terry Wallace Leigh Matthews (48) 1982 3rd Allan Jeans Leigh Matthews Leigh Matthews Leigh Matthews (74) 1983 Premiers Allan Jeans Leigh Matthews Terry Wallace Leigh Matthews (43) 1984 2nd Allan Jeans Leigh Matthews Russell Green Leigh Matthews (77) 1985 2nd Allan Jeans Leigh Matthews Dermott Brereton Dermott Brereton (58) 1986 Premiers Allan Jeans Michael Tuck Gary Ayres Jason Dunstall (77) 1987 2nd Allan Jeans Michael Tuck John Platten Jason Dunstall (94) 1988 Premiers Alan Joyce Michael Tuck Jason Dunstall Jason Dunstall (132*) 1989 Premiers Allan Jeans Michael Tuck Jason Dunstall Jason Dunstall (138*) 1990 5th Allan Jeans Michael Tuck Andrew Collins Jason Dunstall (83) 1991 Premiers Alan Joyce Michael Tuck Ben Allan Jason Dunstall (82) 1992 6th Alan Joyce Gary Ayres Jason Dunstall Jason Dunstall (145*) 1993 6th Alan Joyce Gary Ayres Jason Dunstall Jason Dunstall (123) 1994 7th Peter Knights Chris Langford John Platten Jason Dunstall (101) 1995 15th Peter Knights Jason Dunstall Darren Jarman Jason Dunstall (66) 1996 8th Ken Judge Jason Dunstall Paul Salmon Jason Dunstall (102) 1997 15th Ken Judge Jason Dunstall Paul Salmon Nick Holland (29) 1998 13th Ken Judge Jason Dunstall Shane Crawford Jason Dunstall (54) 1999 9th Ken Judge Shane Crawford Shane Crawford Aaron Lord (42) 2000 6th Peter Schwab Shane Crawford Nick Holland, Daniel Chick Nick Holland (51) 2001 4th Peter Schwab Shane Crawford Joel Smith John Barker (41) 2002 10th Peter Schwab Shane Crawford Shane Crawford Daniel Chick (31) 2003 9th Peter Schwab Shane Crawford Shane Crawford Nathan Thompson (38) 2004 15th Peter Schwab Shane Crawford Peter Everitt Nathan Thompson (36) 2005 14th Alastair Clarkson Richard Vandenberg Luke Hodge Mark Williams (63) 2006 11th Alastair Clarkson Richard Vandenberg Sam Mitchell Mark Williams(60) 2007 - Alastair Clarkson Richard Vandenberg (*) Competition Leading Goal-Kicker Current Issues & Merger debate Main article: Melbourne Hawks Falling on-field and off-field fortune saw the club almost merge with Melbourne in 1996. The resulting club was to be known as the "Melbourne Hawks" - a fusion with the Melbourne nickname of "Demons". A groundswell of support led by former champion Don Scott scuttled the proposal however with Hawthorn members voting strongly against it. Melbourne members supported the merger by a small margin. The failure of the merger led to the resignation of the board and its replacement by a team led by businessman Ian Dicker. The closure of Waverley Park in 1999 was a setback as Hawthorn could no longer play home games in the south-east region where they have developed a large support base. Home games were moved to the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Their relationship with the south-east was rekindled in 2006, when the Hawks returned to Waverley as a training and administration centre. The oval and a section of the Sir Kenneth Luke stand have been retained by developer Mirvac as part of their redevelopment of the Waverley site as a housing estate, largely as a result of a Victorian government commitment to keep football there. Mirvac leases the facility to Hawthorn for a peppercorn rent, until the club takes ownership of the facility within the next 20 years. Hawthorn will maintain their association with Glenferrie, by housing several coteries and conducting social activities at the clubs spiritual home. In August 2005, former Victorian State Premier Jeff Kennett, a long time Hawthorn supporter and former number one membership ticket holder, was appointed to the board of the club with the intention of standing for president at the next coming Annual General Meeting. His rise to presidency was confirmed when on December 14 2005, he was ushered in as president of the Hawthorn Football Club unopposed to the audience of a packed Hawthorn Town Hall. Corporate Membership base and Home crowds Below is a table containing club membership numbers from 1996. Year Members Crowds (Finishing position)² 1996 12,300 23,624 (8th) 1997 27,450 32,380 (15th) 1998 27,649 32,173 (14th) 1999 32,120 34,828 (9th) 2000 27,879 34,939 (6th) 2001 30,140 37,594 (4th) 2002 33,319 38,216 (10th) 2003 31,500 31,816 (9th) 2004 31,255 26,678 (15th) 2005 29,261 36,274 (14th) 2006 28,003 34,071 (11th) 2007 31,065¹ 44,069 (5th) ¹(as at 30 June, 2007) ²following finals matches Presidents Jeff Kennett (2006-Present) Ian Dicker (1997-2005) Brian Coleman (1996) Geoff Lord (1994-1995) Trevor Coote (1988-1993) Ron Cook (1980-1987) Phil Ryan (1968-1979) Dr A S Ferguson (1953-67) D A Prentice (1950-52) Dr J Jona J.P (1932-1949) J W Kennon (1925-31) Premierships Hawthorn have won 9 Premierships. 1961 - Hawthorn 13.16 (94) def. Footscray 7.9 (51) 1971 - Hawthorn 12.10 (82) def. St. Kilda 11.9 (75) 1976 - Hawthorn 13.22 (100)def. North Melbourne 10.10 (70) 1978 - Hawthorn 18.13 (121) def. North Melbourne 15.13 (103) 1983 - Hawthorn 20.20 (140) def. Essendon 8.9 (57) 1986 - Hawthorn 16.14 (110) def. Carlton 9.14 (68) 1988 - Hawthorn 22.20 (152) def. Melbourne 6.20 (56) 1989 - Hawthorn 21.18 (144) def. Geelong 21.12 (138) 1991 - Hawthorn 20.19 (139) def. West Coast Eagles 13.8 (86) Pre-Season Premierships Hawthorn have won 9 'Night series' Premierships (league record) 1967 - Hawthorn 16.15 (111) def. North Melbourne 6.14 (50) 1968 - Hawthorn 10.17 (77) def. Melbourne 9.18 (72) 1977 - Hawthorn 14.11 (95) def. Carlton 11.5 (71) 1985 - Hawthorn 11.11 (77) def. Essendon 10.8 (68) 1986 - Hawthorn 9.12 (68) def. Carlton 5.6 (36) 1988 - Hawthorn 10.10 (70) def. Geelong 9.13 (63) 1991 - Hawthorn 14.19 (103) def. North Melbourne 7.12 (54) 1992 - Hawthorn 19.14 (128) def. Fitzroy 8.15 (63) 1999 - Hawthorn 12.11 (83) def. Port Adelaide 5.6 (36) Individual awards Best and Fairest See Peter Crimmins Medal Brownlow Medal winners Col Austen 1949 (tied with Ron Clegg, South Melbourne) Robert DiPierdomenico 1986 (tied with Greg Williams, Sydney Swans) John Platten 1987 (tied with Tony Lockett, St. Kilda) Shane Crawford 1999 Leigh Matthews Trophy winners Leigh Matthews 1982 Russell Greene 1984 Jason Dunstall 1992 Shane Crawford 1999 Note: Before 2002, this was the VFL/AFL Players Association Most Valuable Player award. In 2005, all winners of this honour prior to 2002 were retrospectively awarded the Leigh Matthews Trophy. Coleman Medal winners John Peck (1963, 1964, 1965) Peter Hudson (1968, 1970, 1971, 1977) Leigh Matthews (1975) Jason Dunstall (1988, 1989, 1992) Norm Smith Medal winners Colin Robertson (1983) Gary Ayres (1986, 1988) Paul Dear (1991) Michael Tuck Medal winners Paul Hudson (1992) Paul Salmon (1999) Alex Jesaulenko Medalist Shane Crawford (1998) All Australian Representitives(AFL only) Luke Hodge (2005) Trent Croad (2005) Peter Everitt (2005) Joel Smith (2001) (2003) Shane Crawford (1996) (1998)(1999) (2002) Jonathan Hay (2001) Paul Salmon (1997) Darren Jarman (1992) (1995) Chris Langford (1994) Jason Dunstall(1992) (1994) Ben Allan (1993) (1994) John Platten (1992) National team representatives (since 2005) Luke Hodge (2005) Trent Croad (2005) Campbell Brown (2006) Chance Bateman (2006) Current squad As of December 18, 2006: Hawthorn Football Club Senior list Rookie list Coaching staff  1 Harry Morrison  2 Mitchell Lewis  3 Jai Newcombe  4 Jarman Impey  5 James Worpel  6 James Sicily (c)  7 Ned Reeves  8 Sam Frost  9 Changkuoth Jiath 10 Karl Amon 11 Conor Nash 12 Will Day 13 Dylan Moore (vc) 14 Jack Scrimshaw 15 Blake Hardwick 16 Massimo D'Ambrosio 17 Lloyd Meek 18 Mabior Chol 19 Jack Gunston 20 Finn Maginness 21 Noah Mraz 22 Luke Breust 23 Josh Weddle 24 Josh Battle 25 Josh Ward 26 Bodie Ryan 27 Will McCabe 28 Cameron Mackenzie 29 Jai Serong 30 Sam Butler 31 Connor MacDonald 32 Cody Anderson 33 Jack Ginnivan 34 Nick Watson 35 Calsher Dear 37 Tom Barrass 42 Bailey Macdonald 44 Henry Hustwaite 36 James Blanck 38 Max Ramsden 39 Jasper Scaife 40 Seamus Mitchell 41 Matt Hill (B) 43 Jaime Uhr-Henry (B) Head coach Sam Mitchell Assistant coaches Brett Ratten (head of coaching performance & development) Kade Simpson (backs) David Hale (midfield) Adrian Hickmott (forwards) Andy Collins (head of development) David Mackay (development coach) Arryn Siposs (development coach) Zane Littlejohn (development coach/Box Hill coach) Legend: (c) Captain(s) (vc) Vice-captain(s) (B) Category B rookie Upgraded rookie(s) italics - Inactive player list Long-term injury (ret.) Retired Updated: 15 September 2007 Source(s): HFC website, Coaching staff Team of the Century Hawthorn Team of the Century B: Gary Ayres Kelvin Moore Bert Mills HB: Col Austen Chris Mew Peter Knights C: Robert DiPierdomenico Jim Bohan Brendan Edwards HF: Graham Arthur (Captain) Dermott Brereton Gary Buckenara F: Jason Dunstall Peter Hudson John Platten Foll: Don Scott Michael Tuck Leigh Matthews Int: Chris Langford Ian Law Paul Salmon Roy Simmonds Coach: John J Kennedy Australian Football Hall of Fame players Leigh Matthews Peter Hudson Jason Dunstall Michael Tuck Robert Dipierdomenico Darren Jarman Club jumper File:Hawthorn-2007-2.gif The Hawthorn colours are gold and brown vertical stripes. Since 1950, Hawthorn has worn a brown and gold striped uniform. On right is a representation of the 2007 home jumper. The current major sponsors of the team are Events Tasmania, HSBC, MBF and Puma. Club song We're a happy team at Hawthorn is the official anthem of the Hawthorn Football Club. It is sung to the tune of The Yankee Doodle Boy. VFL teams the Northern Bullants, the Sandringham Zebras and the Box Hill Hawks along with Central District (Centrals) and West Adelaide (Westies) from the SANFL have similar club songs, with the same tune and several familiar lyrics. We're a happy team at Hawthorn We're the Mighty Fighting Hawks. We love our Club, and we play to win, Riding the bumps with a grin (at Hawthorn). Come what may, you'll find us striving Team work is the thing that talks, One for all and all for one Is the way we play at Hawthorn. We are the Mighty Fighting Hawks. References External links Official Website of the Hawthorn Football Club Full Points Footy History of the Hawthorn Football Club Buddy's winning goal 2007 1st Elimination Final - Youtube Australian Football League clubs