With Anzac Day approaching, another former player has now been added to the list of Hawthorn players who served in the Armed Forces during World War Two.

How Stuart Hamilton was not discovered earlier is a puzzle as he first played 58 games between 1943 – 1947 for the Hawks before returning as the very popular Secretary for the Past Players and Officials Committee from 1961 to 1970.

With the outbreak of WW2 in 1939, Stuart Hamilton joined the Volunteer Defence Corps before enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1943, gaining the Rank of Leading Aircraftman. He was discharged on January 30, 1946.

Being based locally, Hamilton was able to continue his football career.

Recruited from Bentleigh, Hamilton played his first game in Round 8, 1943 against Richmond. Playing mainly in defense and as a relief ruckman, he developed a reputation as a very tough opponent.

When he retired from playing football with Hawthorn, he took on the coaching role with Nathalia in the Goulburn Valley League, followed by a three-year stint coaching Chelsea in the Federal League in 1951-53, making the finals in his first year.

Hamilton maintained his fond memories of Hawthorn and kept in contact with the club. He was an inaugural member of the rejuvenated Past Players & Official Association when it reformed in 1961.

By the end of that year the Club had claimed its first senior Premiership. Jack Mcleod, who was the then Chairman of Selectors, saw the need to formalize a group for former players and committeemen. Mcleod took on the role of President and, with the assistance of Stewart Hamilton, who was to serve for 10 years as Treasurer, the Past Players & Officials Association was formed.

Another question arises with Hamilton. He was born in Carrickfergus, near Belfast and immigrated to Australia in 1936. Would this make him the first Irishman to play with Hawthorn?

Stuart Hamilton

Born September 13, 1918

Died August 26, 1990

Debut Number 320

Played 1943-1947

Games 58 Goals 12

HFC Life Member 1969

PP&OA Life Member 1970

The Hawks Museum would like to offer thanks to Stephen Wade who made the us aware of the fact that Stuart Hamilton was missing from Hawthorn’s War Service list