HAWTHORN Legend David Parkin says Hawthorn is, and always will be his home despite coaching at both Carlton and Fitzroy during his career.
Parkin played 211 matches for Hawthorn between 1961-1974, was captain of the Club from 1969-1973 and coached the Club between 1977-1980 winning two premierships in that time, one as a player and one as coach.
He was inducted into the Hawthorn Hall of Fame in 2001, and elevated to legendary status at the Season Launch and Hall of Fame on Thursday night.
A well-respected figure amongst the football community for his knowledge and experience in the game, Parkin says the brown and gold of Hawthorn will always be his home despite being a self-proclaimed "die hard" Melbourne supporter as a child.
“The last place I wanted to play was Hawthorn as a kid, but it was in fact, the best thing that could have happened to me,” he told hawthornfc.com.au
“To be nourished by that group (in 1961), they set a standard of preparation and commitment to the Club that was instilled into me, they influenced me enormously in terms of who I became as a person and my attitude towards football.
“It is very much my home and continues to be.
“Hawthorn has actually been my cerebral, spiritual and emotional home and, my great friends in football continue to be Hawthorn people.”
The legacy of Parkin lived on within the inner sanctum of the Club before his elevation as the Club’s sixth Legend, through the naming of the players’ and coaches’ theatrette at the Ricoh Centre - the David Parkin Theatre.
It acknowledges his impact and innovation within the playing and coaching landscape and, serves as inspiration to each and every player, coach and staff member that enters that room.
Parkin says that acknowledgement alone, is surreal.
“I get a bit of the flutters when I walk into the Club and I see the David Parkin Theatre, to be recognised in that way (is amazing),” he said.
“To see your name and jumpers and other things you’ve been a part of in the museum as well, I still get a real kick and a fuzz in the heart when that happens.
“That’s when you realise how significant that institution is, which has touched the lives of so many people.”
When Parkin speaks about Hawthorn Football Club, he does so in a way that the passion and love he has for the Hawks is placed upon you, with no choice but to listen, understand and become immersed in the stories, memories and place the Hawks have in his heart.
He says he never expected to be acknowledged as a Legend of the Club despite his undoubted impact on the lives of many when a player and coach.
“It’s the club where I started my life in footy way back in their first premiership year and it’s an honour that 52 years later, someone in the club has seen it fitting to acknowledge my contribution,” he said.
“You don’t expect those things and I’m very thankful that somebody did.”
Now, Parkin sits amongst the all-time greats in John Kennedy Senior, Leigh Matthews, Graham Arthur, Michael Tuck and Peter Hudson as Legends of the football club.
He says that is an honour in itself, to be listed alongside the names responsible for making Hawthorn Football Club what it is today.
“It’s a nice acknowledgment, particularly when it’s to be included with the people who, in fact are most responsible for creating the culture and the history of Hawthorn,” he said.
“It’s lovely that the people in that group of Legends have all been acknowledged as history contributors or history makers.
“I find that lovely to be concluded in that group.”
To celebrate the unveiling of Parkin as Hawthorn’s sixth Legend,a masterpiece oil on canvas (pictured above) was commissioned by renowned artist Dave Thomas.
Taking 120 hours to complete, the painting depicts a young Parkin at his beloved Glenferrie Oval in Hawthorn.
There will be only one Museum Grade Giclee digital canvas reproduction of this piece of Hawthorn history available for purchase.
