On May 6, 57 Life Members and their partners met at the Mulgrave Club for their Annual Luncheon.
Stories of famous victories, high marks, long kicks and ‘remember when’ filtered through the air as former teammates, trainers and officials were reacquainted with one another.
New Chairman of the Life Members Committee, Daniel Harford introduced Club Directors and their partners; Professor Andrew and Judith Kaye, Richie and Jasmine Vandenberg, and welcomed all attending Life Members and their partners. Also in attendance and representing the Club, PA to the CEO, Carolyn Honeywood and from the Membership Department, Candace Duthie. We would like to acknowledge the valued assistance that Carolyn and Candace have constantly offered the Life Members.
A moving visual slide show followed as recently-deceased Life Members, Ken Hopper, Jim Shaw and Bob Calwell were recognized for their valuable contributions to the Club.
Daniel Harford then called John and Noel O’Mahony to the stage, thanking John for his outstanding role as Chair of the Life Members Committee for the 10 years since the committee was formed in 2007. John, with his self-effacing humour, has played an important role in maintaining the renowned Hawthorn spirit for the Club’s Life Members, who have contributed so much to the Brown and Gold for many years.
The MC for the day, Ben Dixon then introduced Football Manager, Graham Wright, who fascinated the audience with his stories. Firstly, as a young footballer in Tasmania, then, what it was like playing in a Collingwood Premiership, followed by his experiences behind-the-scenes, working in recruiting, and now as Football Manager, playing a vital role in the Hawks’ last four Premierships.
Perhaps the highlight of the day followed, when Ben Dixon interviewed four players who all played their part in the 1978 or the 1988 Premierships. The audience was on the edge of their seats with amazement and laughter when Peter Knights’ and Kelvin Moore’s memories of 1978 had dimmed somewhat with time. Fellow teammates from the floor, Norm Goss, Al Martello and Don Scott were heard yelling encouraging answers, much to the delight of the audience. Peter Schwab and John Kennedy Jnr took their turn on stage, their memories were similar and had to survive more encouragement from the audience.
The high-jinx from the stage continued when the ever-popular Ian Bremner, famous for his fashion statements, was admired wearing his new ‘Justin Bieber’ jacket.
The afternoon came to a close with the now mandatory photo of the Life Members, who crammed together on the stage, ensuring that many more entertaining tall stories would be heard.
The Life Members would like to acknowledge the generosity of the Hawthorn Football Club, whose support of our LM Luncheon is greatly appreciated.
A happy couple, John and Noel O’Mahony after John was acknowledge for his 10 years as Chair of the Life Members Committee
Football Manager, Graham Wright chats with Ben Dixon
Club Director Professor Andrew Kaye with David Parkin, Barbara Law, Don Scott and Bruce Stevenson
June Nicholas, Gwen Crimmins, Nan Meagher and Jenny Brown
Roxanne Greene, Karen O’Halloran, Annette Buckenara and Bev Goss
Gary Buckenara, Peter Schwab, John Kennedy Jnr and Al Martello
1978 Premiership stars, Peter Knights and Kel Moore with MC Ben Dixon and 1988 Premiership stars, Peter Schwab and John Kennedy Jr with MC Ben Dixon
