This item has special significance being the oldest known example of clothing associated with the Hawthorn Football Club.
The Hawthorn Footballers' Cricket cap was presented to Jack Wooding when the cricket team won the premiership in 1932-33, which was their first season of competition.
The Hawthorn footballers played in the Eastern Suburbs’ Cricket Association for eight years winning a second premiership in 1934-35.
The likes of Ted Pool, Wally Ware, Keith Sharpley, Norm Collins, Blue Keary and Les Carbarns - who all starred in the football team - proved to be more than handy cricketers.
Jack Wooding was an enterprising batsman and also kept wickets when required. He played many games with the second 18 Football Team.
Of interest, 17 years later the Hawthorn footballers fielded a team in season 1955-1956 for a second time in this competition.
John Peck was not only a good full forward but was an outstanding aggressive fast bowler taking nine for 91 against Balwyn.
After a 14 year break the footballers reformed the cricket team in 1970-1971 with David Parkin, Peter Crimmins and Bob Keddie starring with the bat.
Parkin hit 107 in 55 minutes; the fastest century in Eastern Suburb’s cricket that season.
Jack Wooding’s cricket cap will go on display in the New Year.
Bruce Holding pictured with his father's Hawthorn Footballers' Cricket cap and team photo.
