The Hawks are supporting Geelong’s nominated match-day charity at the Round 2 match at the MCG on Monday.

Step Back Think was formed in the wake of the horrific injuries sustained by James Macready-Bryan in 2006. James, better known to his mates as 'MB', was assaulted in the CBD on his 20th birthday on October 13 2006. A single punch knocked MB to the ground, where his head smashed against the pavement, resulting in catastrophic brain damage, from which he will never recover.

In the year follwoing the formation of Step Back Think, Matt McEvoy, 24, and Justin Galligan, 16, died from brain injuries similar to MB’s - in two separate incidences that mirrored the tragic senselessness of MB’s assault.

The sole mission of Step Back Think is to educate people on the irreparable consequences and impact that one punch can have, and from this reduce levels of street violence.

Over the past three years, Step Back Think has enlisted the support of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Victorian Premier John Brumby, Eddie McGuire, Neil Mitchell, Steve Bracks and Peter Costello.

They have also recently joined forces with Geelong’s Just Think campaign and were pleased to welcome Cats players Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly and David Wojcinski to the Step Back Think Board of Directors. The support of key public figures symbolises a new chapter for Step Back Think, one with fresh opportunities to reach further into the minds of today's youth and hopefully have an impact behaviour - with a greater aim in helping to prevent more young people from losing their lives to street violence.


Step Back Think founding members alongside James Macready-Bryan and former Governor of Victoria, David de Kretser AC.