The Life Patrons of the Hawks Museum, the Glenferrie Gold recently held their 8th annual function at Waverley on July 13. The theme for the evening was a tribute to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Hawks’ first team to play a final on the MCG, the 1956 Second 18.

The Glenferrie Gold and guests first assembled in the museum to hear the curator give an update on recent acquisitions with a special emphasis to the new Honour Board for the Glenferrie Gold, the 2015 Premiership cabinet and the annual exhibit, ‘They Made the Brown and Gold’ that this year pays tribute to the achievements of the 1956 Second 18.

Moving to the Club’s Theatre, the curator opened the formal part of the evening with 32 Glenferrie Gold Patrons in attendance. Presentations of badges and certificates to new Life Patrons, Brian Falconer, Rochelle May and Mike Warren was made. Peter Scott, a member of the 1956 Second 18 who was unable to attend was also recognized for his support having also recently joined the Glenferrie Gold. A very welcome guest was Alex Davis, the President of the Western Australian Hawks. His group has given the Hawks Museum amazing support over the years by joining the Glenferrie Gold seven times.

Michael Derum, the museum’s popular resident MC, then introduced members of the 1956 Second 18. Captain Peter Kanis, Vice-Captain Maurie Considine, Brian Falconer, Ian Pearson, Noel Voigt, Bryan Waters, Gary Young and all the way from Merbein on the Murray River, Ian Hinks. This was Ian’s first visit to Melbourne in more than forty years. He was keen to learn what his fellow teammates had done in the intervening years. Apologies were received from Alf Hughes, Phil O’Brien and Peter Scott.

Michael Derum was in his element as he had seen all the night’s guests in action when they played on the Glenferrie Oval in his youth. His colourful and inquiring questions set the scene with the 1956 team members reflecting on their time with the Hawks, their experiences in the Finals Appearance on the MCG and where their life journeys have taken them since.

The audience sat riveted as they heard stories of what football was like 60 years ago. Ian Pearson highlighted a long lost tradition in modern day AFL football, the importance of the pie night. He followed up with the reminiscences after trudging off in the rain MCG having just been beaten by Richmond, as the players entered the dressing rooms the officials collected the brand new guernseys that were issued for this game.

Garry Young possibly stole the show when he burst into the then-song, “We are the Boys from Hawthorn”.  All the players spoke of their individual experiences, speaking highly of their coaches, Bob McCaskill and Tubby Edmonds, the dances in the pavilion after the home games and the ritual of training nights.

Peter Kanis and Brian Falconer offered their sincere thanks for bringing the 1956 team members together again after 60 years. Brian presented his supporters jumper and Ian Hinks then presented the Club Blazer he wore in 1956 to the Hawks Museum in a moving closure to a wonderful evening.  

Members of the Glenferrie Gold and the 1956 team then adjourned to the Last Piece Restaurant for refreshments and further conversations of all things Brown and Gold.

The museum offers a special thank you to Brian Falconer who suggested this year’s theme and to his fellow teammate Ian Pearson for his continued encouragement. Thanks to Rachel Bradshaw, Mike Derum, Karl Jacklin and Mike Warren for their valued assistance with the evening.

For enquires about joining the Glenferrie Gold or the Friends of The Hawks Museum ring 03 9535 3075 or email hawks museum@hawthornfc.com.au