On arrival in sunny Hobart late Wednesday afternoon, the 17 Hawks players who made the trip to the state’s capital were divided into two groups: Hobart A and Hobart B.

Hobart A, which consisted of Captain Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell, Grant Birchall and several younger players made their way to Ronald McDonald House in Hobart. Ronald McDonald House (RMHC) is an independent, non-profit organisation that helps seriously ill children and their families with accommodation during hospital visits.

The group was lucky to meet some very special people during the visit, however, it was the story of a young Melbourne couple that invariably touched them most. 

The couple has been staying at RMCH for the past five weeks, having travelled to Tasmania for a holiday over the Christmas/New Year period, during which the young woman (who was 25 weeks pregnant) unexpectedly gave birth to their first child, Arthur.

Arthur’s dad spoke to the players praising the efforts of hospital staff who immediately referred him to Ronald McDonald House when he realised he had no where to stay when his wife suddenly when into labour. 

Since Arthur was born, both his parents have taken up residence in RMHC, which is just across the road from the hospital, while Arthur remains in the NICU unit until he can put on enough weight to be transferred home to Melbourne.

While each family had a stirring story to tell during the players’ visit, it was the experience of Arthur and his brave and incredibly positive parents that most moved the young Hawks.

Meanwhile, the Hobart B group headed to Calvary Hospital in the Lenah Valley to spend some time with patients. 

Josh Gibson was excited to find a ward named after him, while a particularly cunning and keen patient was so eager to see her beloved team that even though she was discharged two days ago managed to re-admit herself for the visit for the sole purpose of meeting the players!

The group, which included Josh Gibson, David Hale, Brian Lake and Brent Guerra among others, spent a little under an hour walking through the wards meeting the patients.