JOHN ‘The Rat’ Platten’s playing days at Hawthorn finished when he retired from AFL football in 1997 but that doesn’t mean the Club is any less part of his life today.
Known as much for his long, curly hair as his brilliant football talent, Platten still looks much the same as he did when he became one of the Club’s most loved players.
His hair is still long and curly and his love for Hawthorn is just as strong.
In fact, you could say not much has changed for the Rat aside from a few more strands of silver in the locks that made him such an iconic figure.
“Hawthorn is part of my life,” he told hawthornfc.com.au as he made a guest appearance at the Premiership Cup Tour in Adelaide.
“I spent 12 years with the Club and those 12 were probably the best of my life because I had such an amazing time.
“Tonight has brought back a lot of memories, holding up the cup and what fantastic memories they are.”
Platten won four premierships in his illustrious 258-game career – in 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1991, won the Brownlow Medal in 1987 and won the club’s best and fairest twice, in 1987 and 1994.
Now back in his home state of South Australia, where he was recruited from for the 1986 VFL season, Platten is an active member in the SA Hawks Supporter Group and still follows the Club he loves passionately.
So, when Hawthorn saluted its eleventh Premiership in September, it meant just as much to him today as it did in 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1991.
“It’s just great – it’s what you play footy for,” he said.
“You just feel for the players because they train for 10 or 11 months of the year and I know how much hard work goes into a premiership.
“Sometimes the year goes well for you and then sometimes it doesn’t so to win a premiership is enormous.
“Winning one is the best thing ever, it’s just a highlight when you work so long and so hard for it.”
As a spectator now who knows all too well the sacrifices made on the journey to a premiership, Platten is grateful the Club has given everyone a chance to enjoy the moment.
“It’s great to bring the cup to the fans because when I was playing, it was all about the fans and the members,” he said.
“To see three or four hundred people here tonight is brilliant because they want to see it, feel it and smell it as much as the Hawthorn players did.”
