Hawthorn Football Club’s #1 Fan program is now in its third season, and has provided some amazing stories from Hawks fans lucky enough to become involved.

The Club’s #1 guernsey was handed to the fans after being retired by Hawks ruckman Max Bailey in 2011. Each week one special Hawks fan is selected by the Club to pull on the No.1 guernsey and help the team prepare for the upcoming game.

Going against tradition, to celebrate Hawks Family Fun Week, the Club selected an entire Hawks family to represent the fans. The Club received some great nominations however the winning family were the Rutter family from Bendigo, Victoria.

Consisting of parents Angela and Allan (34) and their four children Bailey (13), Jackson (11), Connor (9) and Logan (7), the Rutter family are passionate Hawks members who travel down to Melbourne for Hawks games at every opportunity. If they can’t attend a game, they keep in touch with the action via TV, radio and Hawks social media.

The Rutter family were invited to the Ricoh Centre on Saturday morning for the team’s final training session before Sunday’s match against North Melbourne. Each member of the family was presented with their own #1 fan guernsey which they all wore proudly throughout the training session and at Sunday’s game.

During the training session, the #1 Family ran water on the oval amongst the players and coaches, chatted with senior coach Alastair Clarkson about the game ahead and at the end of the session, joined the team huddle for a pep talk from Clarko.

Speaking of the #1 fan program, mother Angela stated ‘this is an experience we all will never forget. Everyone from Clarko to the staff and players made us so very welcome which we are very grateful for.”

Their experience was then captured by a group photo with the playing squad. Following the session, the Rutter family were also presented with a training ball, signed by the training squad.

As part of the #1 fan program, the Rutter family also enjoyed some amazing experiences at Sunday’s game. Pre-game the family went down to the change rooms to watch the team warm-up and prepare for the game. The family were also lucky enough to win a Zaidee’s Family Club package for all remaining 2013 MCG home games. Here they will enjoy Level 2 seating in the Ponsford Stand plus complimentary food and soft drinks all in a great family environment.

Think you know a deserved #1 Hawks fan? Nominations for #1 fan are welcome by emailing number1fan@hawthornfc.com.au stories and pictures are welcome.