The first months of the new year have been busy ones in the Hawks Museum. We have seen a steady stream of visitors and have commenced the annual updates of several displays. The museum always enjoys seeing Hawk families and individual supporters, but we also welcome the arrival of some special groups.
One such group was the Hawthorn Historical Society, which came to Waverley Park to see the Club Collection and, in particular, items relating to our spiritual home, Glenferrie Oval. Members of the Society recalled gamedays and celebrations at Glenferrie and some remembered being at the MCG for the triumphant 1961 Grand Final. It was a renewal of a strong relationship following the Society’s hiatus from the mid-1980s. This re-connection between the Hawks Museum and the caretakers of Hawthorn district’s past was a fine way to start our new year.
The opening month or so is also the time for several displays to be refreshed. One new display marks the 2018 Premierships of Hawthorn’s VFLW side and the Hawks Netball team, which was victorious in the Bupa Victorian Netball League. The highlight of the display is the pair of Premiership trophies – the VFLW cup and the VNL vase. We would like to thank Hawk defender Meg Hutchins for allowing her Premiership medallion to be displayed. A Hawthorn guernsey and football, signed by the Grand Final team and the Hawks netball uniform are also on display.
Hawthorn is the grateful beneficiary of a very generous donation. In December last year, former Club President, Ian Dicker presented many items from his personal collection to the Club. The museum houses a new tribute that includes rare photos, his AFL Life Member certificate, a cherished commemorative birthday plate from HFC staff as well as several items from his late father-in-law, Harry Pill, who was instrumental in bringing Ian Dicker into the Hawthorn fold.
Each year the Hawks Museum highlights three players who were fan favourites and by their deeds - both on-field and off - helped to make the Brown & Gold. The display includes guernseys, trophies and other items from their Hawthorn careers.
Andy Angwin, who played 1938-1944, was Hawthorn’s Best & Fairest player in 1940. He became the club’s much-admired Property Steward in the high times of the 1980s. The display includes his Victorian State guernsey from 1941 and his Jack Titus Award, which was given by the VFL for his years of service to football.
Peter Schwab (played 1980-1991) and James Morrissey (played 1984; 1987-1993) were both three-time Premiership players. A touch and reliable utility, Schwab’s 171 senior games for Hawthorn included the 1983, 1986 & 1988 flags. He also coached the Hawks, first as an assistant to Ken Judge in 1996-97 seasons, then as senior coach, 2000-2004.
James Morrissey was a member of the 1988-89 and 1991 Premiership sides. Known to fans as ‘The Freak’, the elusive forward played 108 senior games for Hawthorn. This nickname was bestowed on James by Rodney Eade, who loved to invent appropriate monikers for players.
To visit our new displays, the Hawks Museum is open Monday – Friday; 9am – 4pm.
Phone (03) 9535 3075, or email hawksmuseum@hawthornfc.com.au
The Hawthorn Historical Society Visits the Hawks Museum
