Hawthorn’s oldest living Life Member and Hall of Fame inductee, John O’Mahony, has paid a special visit to the Kennedy Community Centre, alongside his beloved wife, Noel. 

O’Mahony, who turns 94 this month, is a familiar face to many Hawks fans, having played over 100 games for the Club in the famous number three, then later serving as an esteemed administrator up until his retirement. 

O’Mahony’s deep passion for the fortunes of the Club saw him step up in time of need and play an important role as Treasurer during Operation Payback in 1996, led by former Captain Don Scott. 

Almost 30 years later, and the famous cheque remains in the Hawks Museum, with O’Mahony having the opportunity to take a photo alongside the iconic artefact at the Museum’s new home at the Kennedy Community Centre. 

The Club’s oldest living Life Member first became involved with the Hawks when he was recruited from the Camberwell Juniors in 1950, winning the Reserves Best and Fairest in his first year with the Club.

Graduating to the senior side in 1951, he was an instant star, playing initially as a half-back, before establishing a key role in the centre, where he proved to be an elusive and clever performer.

He suffered a punctured lung early in 1957 and ended up in hospital for three months, missing Hawthorn’s first-ever finals appearance.

A gifted player, O’Mahony was an unselfish footballer and his creative team play was reflected in his second-place finish in the Best and Fairest in 1955, and third-place in 1956.

He later served as an assistant coach, as well as a stint as Hawthorn’s Chairman of Selectors.

In 2003, he was invited to be a member of the selection panel for the Club’s Hall of Fame and in 2008 became the chairperson for the newly formed Life Members Committee.