Among the many visitors to venture into the Hawks Museum during the recent Christmas celebrations at Bunjil Bagora, 22-month-old Ronan Taylor became the youngest member of Glenferrie Gold.

His father Robbie - a very keen Hawks fan - joined him up carrying on a family tradition. Robbie’s father Thornton joined a three year-old Robbie up as a club member 44 years ago. Robbie attended his first match a year later, watching the Hawks strut their stuff at Waverley in 1982.

Robbie’s association with Hawthorn first started as a member of the Coca Cola Squadron before graduating as a junior member. He has now been a member for 44 years, with the last 30 years as an MCC Hawk.

As a young lad, he would go to the footy with his good friend, Sam Gavin, the son of former Club Physiotherapist Barry Gavin (1973-1990).  Sam would later work at the Club in the Membership Department.  It was his innovation to introduce the number of years of membership on the Club Scarf, an original idea that was soon followed by other AFL Clubs.  

Robbie’s friendship with Sam Gavin led him to get to know many of the players and their partners on game day such as the Dunstalls the Buckenaras and the O’Hallorans.  Premierships aside, Robbie’s favourite game, now known as the ‘Turn Around Game’, was on June 19, 1997, Round 12 at Waverley when Hawthorn, seven goals down at half time, kicked 13.3 in the second half to defeat St Kilda by 13 points in an emotion-packed game.

Robbie has been a member of the Friends of the Hawks Museum since the late 1990s and has a deep interest in the Club’s history and the museum.  His son Ronan is the 266th Patron to join the Glenferrie Gold since it was established in 2007.  A regular attendee to games at Box Hill, father Robbie is introducing his son to the joys of kicking the footy on the ground after the final siren.

Glenferrie Gold membership is offered to Hawks Fans who have a strong interest in the Club’s history and traditions and would like to gain a closer affiliation with the museum. Your valued contribution enables the museum to further develop its resources in growing the Club Collection, recording the stories, developing new and informative displays, to create an engaging experience for visitors and to host functions of an historical nature.

Membership to Glenferrie Gold can be obtained by way of a $1,000 contribution, which can be tax deductible when made to the Hawthorn Football Club Foundation.

Your Glenferrie Gold membership contribution will be recognised with:

  • Your name recorded on the Glenferrie Gold Life Patrons Honour Board and in the Hawks Museum Annual Report
  • You receive an individually numbered Patrons Badge and a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Club President
  • Unlimited access to the Hawks Museum
  • Invitations to two annual functions presented by the Hawks Museum

The Hawks Museum is the trophy room for the players, officials and supporters close to the club, ensuring their achievements and milestones are preserved for generations to come. 

The Hawks Museum and its collection is currently the only Museum in the AFL that has full accreditation from Museums Australia, something to be proud of.  

All enquires can be directed to the hawksmuseum@hawthornfc.com.au.