MANY consider the Friends of the Hawks Museum functions to be one of the best-kept secrets at Hawthorn. To sit and hear inspirational former players reminisce about the highs and lows of their playing days is a special treat for lovers of the Brown and Gold.

This year’s Function was a departure from previous years with the decision to invite some of our more recent players to return home for the day. The theme was ‘Clarko’s Boys’, with special guests 2008 Premierships players, Campbell Brown and Clinton Young, and Max Bailey from the 2013 Premiership.  A special treat for the Friends, we thank Clinton for bringing his mum, dad, brother Lachie and introducing his partner, Bec to the Hawthorn family.

The Friends Annual Function was held on Sunday, November 20 at the Pavilion at Box Hill with 121 ‘Friends’ in attendance. It was impressive to see so many ‘Friends’ dressed in their favourite Brown and Gold Club Colours.

The day’s event started with the Museum Curator welcoming the former Players and the ‘Friends’, thanking them for their valued ongoing support for the Hawks Museum.

Michael Derum the museum’s popular resident MC, then followed with a lively hour-long discussion with the three feature guests. They reflected on the highs and lows of their playing careers under the leadership of Coach Alastair Clarkson, and where their life journeys have taken them since.

The audience sat riveted as they heard stories from behind the scenes. You could hear a pin drop when the respective players were asked about their second clubs - Campbell Brown at Gold Coast, Clinton Young at Collingwood and Max as an assistant coach at Richmond.  The room was filled with laughter when Campbell Brown was quizzed about his exploits in endeavoring to swim the English Channel, only to swim in the same spot for a good hour. The audience was more than pleased to learn the the best thing Clinton Young achieved at Collingwood was his wife.  Max Bailey enthralled the audience when he related his thoughts about his time in Africa working with disadvantaged youth, then expanding on our new recruit from Richmond, Ty Vickery.

The level of conversation increased significantly during the meal break as eager fans sought to re-acquaint themselves with the three guests, queuing to get autographs and photos with their heroes and the Premiership Cups from 2008 and 2013.

Thanks to Rachel Bradshaw, Jasminka Paic and Mike Warren for their assistance with this popular event, and to the volunteers, Karl Jacklin behind the camera.

It is hoped that those in attendance could spread the word to their friends to join the ‘Friends of the Museum’ so they will have the opportunity to attend these wonderful gatherings with our former players.

Membership is now open for 2017 to join the ‘Friends of the Hawks Museum’ for $15. This year’s badge draws inspiration from the 1978 Social Club Medallion. 

Contact the Hawks Museum for further details on 9535 3075.