Last week, Hawthorn's Trent Croad, Xavier Ellis, Rick Ladson, Tim Boyle and Josh Kennedy headed toward Gippsland to visit primary schools in the South East region of Victoria.

Players shared the importance of resilience, healthy living and the values of the Hawthorn Football Club with local communities.

With the 2008 premiership cup in tow, Hawks fans of the South East had the opportunity to get their hands on Football's Holy Grail.

The trip began with a visit to Sale Primary School, where the players addressed grade six students on the big move to high school including how to face challenges, show friendship and courage.

The players’ next destination was to a Christmas BBQ at Fauna Park, socialising with children and families involved with the Sale Indigenous Centre. Local footy players also attended the day, which gave them an opportunity to chat and spend some time with the Hawthorn players in a relaxed environment.

Day two started early with the players heading to Commercial Road Primary School. The players were treated to some local entertainment when students from each class competed in 'Cossie Idol' - the schools' Australian Idol competition. Tim Boyle's passion for music shone through in his delight of the students’ song choices. Josh Kennedy and Xavier Ellis both thought Jack’s performance of 'I’m Yours' was a stand out in the competition. However the overall favourite were the creative actions to the lyrics of 'Lips of an Angel' by Hinder. Overall all of the children's performances in the competition were fantastic. After the idol competition the players asked the school about their 'SCARF' values system and shared the value system of the Hawks.

The players then had an opportunity to converse with the parent volunteers who had given their time throughout the school year at an organised morning tea.

The final school was Elisabeth Street Primary School located in Moe. This was a special visit for the players as they met staff of Good Beginnings - a Hawthorn Football Club Community Partner. The players again spoke to the school, about the important role the value respect plays in being on time. To incorporate the Elisabeth street school's program 'it's not ok to be away' into the visit, Trent Croad explained to students what happens at the Hawks when a player is late. Many of the students let out a scream at the thought of swimming at the beach during the cold months of winter.

Throughout the Gippsland visit the players were able to share their own experiences and  stories and relating them back to core values, with kids who don’t often get an opportunity meet footballers and spend time talking with them. The children and staff at the schools and health centre saw a softer side to the players who happily signed autographs and joked with the kids.

Hawthorn Football Club would like to thank the schools and the health centre involved for opening their doors to the players, helping to give the kids of the area a boost before Christmas.

A young Hawthorn supporter embraces the spirit of the 2008 premiership cup


Commercial Road Primary School students receive their own "holy grail" prizes after the "Cossie Idol" competition.

Elisabeth Street Primary School Students receive a constructive message about the importance of values.

Players celebrating Christmas with the locals at Fauna Park.