Hawthorn congratulates Dare to Hope co-founder Cherie Dear after she was named the 2027 Victorian Australian of the year for her extraordinary work in raising funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer.

Cherie began the Dare to Hope crusade with her husband and former Hawthorn premiership player, Paul Dear, who sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer in July 2022. Cherie also lost her father Don to the same disease just four months following Paul's death.

Paul is the father of current AFL and AFLW Hawks Calsher and Maya. He played 123 games for the brown and gold, including winning the Norm Smith Medal in the 1991 Grand Final.

Through Cherie's tireless dedication and comittment, the Dare to Hope cause has now raised more than $2 million since its inception, with vital funds going towards medical research in the fight against the insidious disease.

Dare to Hope is Hawthorn's Official Charity Partner, with the club proudly working hand-in-hand with the foundation to champion the cause and continue Paul's legacy.

The chairty takes stage during the traditional Easter Monday blockbuster between the Hawks and the Cats, as the MCG turns purple for the annual Dare to Hope Match.

Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all major cancers, claiming nearly 4000 Australian lives every year. To donate or learn more about Dare to Hope, visit daretohope.com.au.