Hawthorn Football Club Community Projects Coordinator, Renee Dobson prefaced the open-discussion, screening selected HawksTV Kokoda Video Diaries from 2007.
Club Player Welfare and Development Manager, Jason Burt spoke candidly to the group in regard to the importance, and history behind Kokoda evoking some visible emotion from those inside the David Parkin Lecture Theatre.
Stephen Gilham, Brendan Whitecross, and Jarryd Morton stressed the significant mental fatigue associated with trekking Kokoda, and the rewards gained from their experience.
Youngster, Jarryd Morton shared that the toughest part of his trip was the early mornings, starting from 5am and mentally preparing for another grueling day
As the students will attempt to cover up to 25 kilometers per day, Brendan Whitecross spoke on the benefits of creating spontaneous games with peers to maintain mental stimulation. These games allowed Brendan to strengthen bonds with new teammates.
Stephen Gilham, whose grandfather was based at Port Moresby, spoke of the family connection to Kokoda and the immense pride and spirit he felt during a memorial service held on Brigade Hill.
As students from the Carnegie School set off for Kokoda, the Hawthorn Football Club wishes them well and hopes they can adopt the four pillars found at Isurava – mateship – endurance – courage and sacrifice in their journey.
