The Hawks Museum recently received two donations to the Club Collection.
The first came from former Under 19s player, Craig Rodda who recently visited with a team photo, one that was on our Missing Team Photo list, the 1982 Under 19s team. This is a wonderful acquisition for the collection.
Depicted in the team photo is a young Paul Abbott and fellow teammate Andrew Collins.
Both players went on to have exceptional careers with the seniors.
Abbott (1984-1991) played 85 games and kicked 30 goals.
He played in two premierships, 1986 and 1988, and starred with six goals.
Abbott unfortunately suffered a broken leg which curtailed his outstanding career with the Hawks.
Collins gained special fan status as part of the legendary backline of Gary Ayres, Chris Langford and Andy Collins who reigned supreme in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Collins (1987-1996) played in three premierships, 1988, 1989 and 1991.
A very durable and tenacious player, he registered 212 games, kicking 37 goals and holds the club record for consecutive games with 189.
Three further U19s teammates also played senior VFL football.
Shane McGrath played one game for the Hawks in 1984 before returning to his junior club Trafalgar.
In 1988, both David Flintoff and Jamie Duursma played for Melbourne against their former club, Hawthorn in the Grand Final.
David Flintoff made just one senior game for Hawthorn in 1983 before leaving the VFL and joining Central Districts in South Australia.
A rover, he returned to the VFL in 1988 when he was signed up by Melbourne and played from the interchange bench in the 1988 Grand Final.
Jamie Duursma went on to play with three VFL clubs.
He was recruited first by Sydney making his VFL debut in 1985 then transferred to Brisbane for their inaugural season in 1987 before being drafted by Melbourne.
One wonders what Duursma and Flintoff may have thought when they played against their former club that included former teammates Abbott and Collins in the 1988 Grand Final when the Demons were beaten by a margin of 96 points.
Below is the 1982 Under 19s team photo listing list which is missing the names of two players and three officials.
If you know any of the missing names, please contact the Hawks Museum.
1982 Under 19s team photo
Front row – Gary Hamilton, Peter Nicolson, unknown, Craig Rodd, David Flintoff, Andrew Collins, Craig Bain, Russell Kent
Second Row – unknown, unknown, Dale Grant, Jamie Duursma, Richard Parsons, Ray Biffin (coach), Robert Ferguson (captain), Dennis Galimberti (team manager), Andrew Pratt, Garry Petrou, unknown
Third Row – Tony Johnson, Shane McGrath, Craig Veljkovic, Rudi Mandemaker, Paul Abbott, Steve Dalgleish, David Frohlich, Terry Ollington
Back Row – R Polkinghorne (trainer), unknown, unknown, Craig Jobson, Chris Lewis, unknown, Jason Smith
The second donor, David Webster a regular visitor to the museum is to be thanked for passing on a commemorative 2008 Premiership beer can which had been autographed by Alastair Clarkson (coach) and Sam Mitchell (captain).
After a wait of 17 long years, led by Clarkson the young talented Hawks secured the club’s 10th premiership over the Geelong Cats by 26 points.
An inspirational third quarter saw Lance Franklin’s long goal from outside the 50-metre arc followed by Cyril Rioli’s crumbed goal, putting the Hawks two goals in front.
What followed will be etched in the memories of many a Hawk fan.
Stuart Dew went forward and in a three-minute burst, was instrumental in three goals assisted by Cyril Rioli and Mark Williams.
Sam Mitchell’s long goal in the final quarter, with many Hawks fans in disbelief that Mitchell could kick such a distance, sealed the Premiership.
Luke Hodge winning the Norm Smith Medal added more glory while the ever-popular Shane Crawford topped off his amazing career by being part of a premiership in his final game with his beloved Hawks.
The Hawks Museum is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday visits can be arranged by appointment. Please find the contact details below.
Contact
03 9535 3075 or email hawksmuseum@hawthornfc.com.au
Admission
Glenferrie Gold and Friends of the Hawks Museum are free (please wear current badge).
General entry by gold coin donation, cashless payment also available.
Location
Bunjil Bagora, Waverley Park
Stadium Circuit
Mount Waverley
More information
https://www.hawthornfc.com.au/club/history/hawks-museum
