On Thursday 15 April, the Hawks Museum was honoured to receive a visit from Ralph Taylor, Hawthorn's oldest living player.  Born on 3 June, 1915 (aged 95), Ralph played two games in the senior side in 1937 and over 30 games in the reserves.

There to meet Ralph was fellow Maybloom Laurie Peters, who played 24 games between 1940-44.  Laurie - a year younger than Ralph - has been closely associated with Hawthorn for over 70 years and is still an active committee member of the Past Players Association.

During their visit they spent some time viewing the team photos from their playing days, reminiscing about old teammates and discussing the merits of today’s game. 

At present time there are 11 known remaining Mayblooms. The Mayblooms are counted as Hawthorn players who donned the brown and gold prior to 1943, when the Club changed its nickname to the Hawks.

Ralph and Laurie both insisted that it was Vic Hocking (the Club Secretary at the time) and the players who were responsible for the name change, which was decided at a players' meeting with coach Roy Cazaly taking the suggested nickname to the committee.

Former Club President and Hall of Fame Inductee Brian Coleman and 1971 Premiership ruckman Ken Beck are to be thanked for organizing Ralph’s visit, who was also accompanied by some friends from his retirement village.

The other known nine living Mayblooms are Ken Feltscheer 1937-43, Phil Ryan 1941-44, Jack Clements 1936-37, Ces Austin 1942, Jack King 1941-45, Jack Brain 1941-48, Frank Parker 1941, Wally Bristowe 1940-42 and Peter O’Donohue 1942-52.

If you know of an old Maybloom or Hawk, please check the Missing Hawks page or contact the Hawks Museum.

Peter Haby
Hawks Museum