Hawthorn’s commitment to the region of Katherine is highlighted in the relationship that has developed between the Club and the Big River Hawks.

Formed in 2010, the Big River Hawks is an Under 18 team established to allow the young men of the Katherine region and surrounding communities an opportunity to play in the Darwin-based NTFL.

Being part of the Big River Hawks team is a privilege to young men in the region, and to do so there are a number of rules that players must abide by to earn their spot in the team.

These include regularly attending school, be completing further training or have a position in the workforce and over the five years that the Hawks have been competing there has been a strong improvement in school attendance, education grades and the general behaviour of young men in and around the Katherine region.

Importantly, the team sets a solid base for the future of the region by developing leaders within community and also offers an opportunity for integration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in the region.

During the Club’s recent visit to Katherine, Shaun Burgoyne and Strength and Conditioning Coach, Luke Boyd, took a session with the Big River Hawks and visited some of the players who are currently boarding at Kormilda College in Darwin.