Hawthorn Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Life Member John Smethurst.

Smethurst was a loyal and dedicated member of the Hawthorn community for more than four decades.

Beginning in 1980 as a Recruiting Officer, he played a pivotal role in identifying and supporting young talent, often travelling from Gippsland to Glenferrie Oval several times a week. 

Smethurst also contributed to the Peter W Crimmins Squad, serving as team manager, runner and coach through the 1980s and early 1990s.

In 1997, he was awarded Hawthorn Life Membership for his extraordinary service. 

Following his time in recruiting, Smethurst continued to serve as the club's match-day assistant from 1996 until 2019.

Smethurst's passing is a great loss to the Hawthorn family, and the club extends its most sincere condolences to the Smethurst family during this sad time.