One of the many intriguing facets in the history of VFL/AFL football is the family dynasties where three or four generations have played for the one club. At Hawthorn the only three generation family is the Kennedys, John Snr, John Jnr and Josh. However, a number of the father and son combinations standout with Peter and Paul Hudson and Chris and Wil Langford all premiership players. List continues with the following families, Vivian and Trevor Randall, Harold and David Albiston, Maurie and Paul Considine, Norm and Scott Maginness, Russell and Steven Greene and Michael and Travis Tuck. There is also at least two grandfather, grandson combinations, Harry and Ian Mort and Gil and John Hendrie.
When the list for the first women’s team to play under the Hawthorn name in the VFLW competition was released, one name stood out - Pepa Randall. Could there be a family connection? Vivian Randall and son, Trevor had previously played with Hawthorn, then both coached the Under 19s at different periods. Speaking to Trevor, a long standing ‘Friend of the Hawks Museum’, he replied, ‘ yes, Pete, Pepa is my grand daughter.’
The Hawks Museum is pleased to announce that its latest tribute features the Randall family. This tribute brings together Pepa, her Great Grandfather, Vivian and her Grandfather, Trevor - both of whom gave outstanding service to Hawthorn. Pepa’s ambition is to continue the family legacy, playing with Hawthorn.
Vivian Randall was recruited from Caulfield. He was a small and wiry wingman who appealed to the fans with his flair for the spectacular. Randall made his senior appearance in round 11, 1935 against St Kilda and his tenacious and creative play enabled him to become a permanent member of the team.
He played the next 73 games from a possible 85, winning the Most Improved player award in his second season. His importance to the team was underlined by being named as Hawthorn’s leading Brownlow vote winner in both 1935 and 1936. Randall’s gained further recognition when he was named to represent Victoria against the VFA in 1936 and then against South Australia the following year.
Randall joined the Army at the advent of the Second World War. He served as a gunner in New Guinea for four years. When he returned home in 1945, Randall resumed his football career with his local team Murrumbeena as captain and coach until 1954.
His son, Trevor was now playing football with Murrumbeena Under 16s, who were without a regular coach. Having previously coached the senior team, Randall offered his assistance and was to enjoy his first Premiership success in 1956. While addressing his son’s team prior to the Grand Final, a recruiting officer with Hawthorn was listening to Randall speech to the junior players and was impressed. He invited Randall to apply for the vacant Hawthorn position with the Under 19s.
In 1957 Randall re-joined Hawthorn as coach of the Under 19s and assistant to the coach of the Reserves Team, Tubby Edmonds. Hawthorn’s fortunes were on the rise and Randall was to play an important role, training the younger players.
The Reserves won the Premierships in 1958 and 1959 with a number of these players going onto the big stage in 1961. Garry Young, Phil and Sted Hay, John McArthur, John Fisher, Malcolm Hill and Cam McPherson all benefited from Randall’s coaching, graduating to the senior side. Together they played in the Hawthorn’s first senior Premiership in 1961.
Trevor Randall, the son of former player Vivian Randall was always destined to try out with Hawthorn. Initially from Murrumbeena, Randall started in the Under 19s where his strong ruck play and leadership on the ground saw him appointed as captain in his second year, winning two Best & Fairest Awards 1958 and 1959.
He graduated to the second 18 before playing his first senior game in Round 6, 1960. A bad ankle Injury saw him being dropped from the senior list and although he still trained with Hawthorn, he played with Rochester in the Bendigo League in1962, with fellow teammate, Bobby Sill. Randall enjoyed a very successful career, first as a player then as a coach winning a number of premierships with Rochester, Hampton Park, Mt Waverley and Merimbula, NSW, where he helped to establish the South Coast League.
Randall returned to Hawthorn in 1978, becoming a very loyal servant of the Club - coaching the under 19s, assisting with training, as Club runner and a committee member of The PP&OA. The Club awarded him Life Membership in 2010.
Pepa Randall was inspired by playing kick to kick with her grandfather, Trevor. Pepa first played football at Elwood Primary School up until age 12. When she enrolled at Wesley College, she was disappointed to learn that football was not a sport option so she played soccer and competed in athletics and tennis. Pepa completed her secondary school years in 2014 and at the age of 17 she was encouraged by two of her old friends from Elwood Primary school days to join East Malvern Knights Girls Junior Footy team, where she played for one season and enjoyed the exciting experience of playing in a Grand Final winning team!
In the following season, 2015, Pepa played Senior Women's Football with the St Kilda Sharks and was selected in the AFLW draft to play in an exhibition game for the Western Bulldogs. Her focused determination to attack the football on all occasions and play a strong team game saw her gain selection in the Victorian Representative State Game against NSW. The Guernsey she wore playing for Victoria is one of her prized possessions and is a feature in the Randall family tribute.
Pepa moved to the Eastern Devils (VFLW) in 2016. In the AFLW draft at the end of that season, Pepa was draft pick 121 for Melbourne for the inaugural AFLW season, but unfortunately was injured in a practice match and didn't play in the short 8-game season. The following AFLW season, Pepa was traded to GWS and played all games in 2018 as a key back line player, having a big impact on GWS's success for the season. Pepa credits her coach Alan McConnell, who played with Footscray 1980-82 then later coached Fitzroy and was an assistant coach at Geelong for her development as a player. She then returned to Victoria and signed with Hawthorn to play the 2018 VFLW season. She will return later in the year to GWS for the 2019 AFLW season. Pepa who is studying Bachelor of Arts and Business at University hopes to continue the Randall family legacy and play for the Hawks in the AFLW one day!
