Having been born in the mid-sixties I have had the good fortune to enjoy of nearly all of our premiership successes; particularly the dominance of the 70’s and 80’s.

I have many grand memories; the 88 Flag was taken on an anniversary of my birthday and while not a great contest, it was a fantastic exhibition by my team and quite a present. The 83 Flag and the emergence of Dermott were particularly satisfying. Dermott’s ability to play-on after the big hit in the 89 Flag demonstrated he was capable of passing the very “test” he himself had set for many others. His and everyone’s’ courage that day still rates very highly.

Last year’s win against the “invincible” Cat’s was fantastic; especially since it was the first Grand Final I had seen live.

Beyond the premierships I saviour the memories of Chris Langford raising his jumper above his head after his last game; it prickles the spine even now. I remember in 1994 a very young Shane Crawford stopping a much more mature Peter Matera with a bone crunching bump and knowing we had a future champion right then.  I can still see Kelvin Moore strolling from defence as if he had all day to do as he pleased and Peter Knights leaping into air off one step and players who had read the flight wondering how the ball had been intercepted meters ahead of them. The great joy of knowing when the ball was kicked to Jason Dunstall he would mark it and kick a goal; or 17! I also remember a day, perhaps in 2000, when we defeated the Saints after coming from well behind and being very proud of the team’s determination, no flag but any win against the odds is always pure joy.

Thanks for the opportunity spotlight a few happy Hawthorn memories, apologies for the few extra words.