Before Peter Knights is elevated to Hawthorn 'Legend' status at next week's Mid Season Ball, we are reflecting on our seven current Hawthorn Legends to remind fans of how incredibly special and accomplished this group is.

Leigh Matthews

Leigh Matthews is considered one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

‘Lethal Leigh’, as he became famously known, stood at 178cm tall but nevertheless made his teammates stand taller due to the way he played his football.

Courage, physicality and fearlessness are three words that are commonly associated when describing Matthews, who was recognised by AFL as “the best player of the 20^th century”.

A measure of Matthews’ talent was winning eight best and fairest awards throughout an era where the Hawks enjoyed a consistent rate of success and boasted some of the most talented players in the competition.

A four-time premiership player, who stands second all-time at Hawthorn for both games played and goals kicked, Matthews remains forever in the hearts of Hawthorn supporters.

Read: The Legend that is John Kennedy Snr