The ongoing search for the Missing Hawks has thrown up many a surprise but none more so when the family of Pat Kennedy contacted the museum. They were responding to an advert the museum placed in the 'Desperately Seeking' column of the Sunday Herald Sun and it was lucky they did.
It was discovered that Pat Kennedy, who played 3 games in 1925 was related to John Kennedy Snr.
There have been five Kennedys to play for Hawthorn, with three coming from the same family - Club Legend, John Kennedy Snr (1950-1959), his son John Jnr (1979-1991) and grandson Josh (2008-2009).
The fourth Kennedy, Andrew “Des” Kennedy, believed not to be related to the famous three generations of Kennedy, played four games in 1970.
The fifth, or more correctly the first Kennedy who played back in 1925 and has remained elusive ever since.
Pat Kennedy was born in Cobram on May 12, 1904 and was the youngest of 12 children. He started his schooling at Assumption College as a border before enrolling at Melbourne University.
As a strong country lad he loved his sport excelling in athletics, cricket and football and whilst at university captained the Newman College Football Team who played in the local Coburg District competition.
Kennedy’s natural football ability and strong leadership lead him to be recruited by Carlton in 1923 where he played 23 games kicking 15 goals. Midway through 1925 Kennedy transferred to Hawthorn playing his first game against Richmond in Round 12.
In his third game, he injured his knee that virtually spelt the end of his VFL career although he attempted a comeback in 1927 but to no avail. Returning to farm life he coached Numurka before deciding to hang up his boots.
Ironically, the son of Pat Kennedy who had contacted the museum was also given the name John Kennedy.
It was arranged that when he and his wife Val were to visit the museum, John Kennedy Snr would be on hand to not only present them with Pat Kennedy’s Debut Tie number 33 but to re-connect with his second cousin.
Needless to say what ensued was a lengthy conversation on the Kennedy clan, with one of the stories shared revealing a lot about the determination of John Kennedy Snr.
Kennedy Snr relived one of his favourite memories as a young boy when he recalled riding his bike all the way to Kyabram to visit his Kennedy relations with one of his mates.
The second Missing Hawk recently found is Frank Asling who played two games in 1936.
Asling is debut number 215 and previously played four games with Collingwood in 1934 then seven games with Essendon in 1935 before joining Hawthorn.
One of the significant opportunities associated with the search for the Missing Hawks is that it gives the museum the opportunity to fill the gaps where we are missing and need photographs of certain players. As with the case of both Pat Kennedy and Frank Asling we held no photos of them in the Club’s archives and it was pleasing to receive photos from the families of Pat Kennedy and Frank Asling.
There remain 33 Missing Hawks to find. If you think you can help please contact the Hawks Museum on 03 9535 3075.
John Kennedy, the son of Pat Kennedy receives his father’s Debut Tie from his cousin, Club Legend John Kennedy Snr.
