Hawthorn awarded life membership to long-time recruiting staff member Greg Boxall at the club’s AGM on Tuesday night.

Boxall has worked at the club for 27 years in a variety of roles, both part-time and full-time, primarily as a scout with the recruiting department.

His involvement in league football dates back to 1967 when he played for Carlton’s U/19 and reserves grade side over the next four years. 

A prominent goalkicker, the full forward then headed to Williamstown in the VFA where he played for eight years and would earn a spot in the club’s team of the decade.

Following his playing career, Boxall showed an interest in remaining in football.

Alongside close friend John Hook, Boxall joined Hawthorn in 1988 in a part-time recruiting capacity whilst Hook became the club’s football manager in that same year.

Aside from two short breaks away from football in the time between now and then, Boxall has continued to be “on assignment”, as he calls it, for the Hawks for the majority of that period.

Those that have worked with him over the journey describe Boxall as an eccentric, likeable type who loves telling a story and making others laugh.

GM – Football Graham Wright said Boxall was a true “people person” who had been an asset to the club over the span of his service.

“Bocca is the sort of person that is really important for footy clubs to have,” Wright said.

“He has a great ability to keep things light and fun, while still being a committed and hard worker.

“In recent years, he has shown a real love for mentoring some of the younger members of our recruiting staff.”

A keen musician in his spare time, Boxall has recorded his own CD, ‘Bocca rocks on’, which consists primarily of Elvis cover tracks.

Among the popular figure’s other passions, his recruiting team colleagues note that he also has a strong fondness for the school football games’ afternoon tea sessions.