1986 was a stand out year in Hawthorn’s history, with the Club winning:

• The Premiership - Hawthorn 16.14,110 v Carlton 9.14.68
• The Night Premiership - Hawthorn 9.12.66 v Carlton 5.6.36
• The Australian Champions - Hawthorn 18.11.119 v Subiaco 17.15.117
• The Dr McClelland Trophy - (Highest points aggregate for matches in the Seniors, Reserves and Under 19s)
• Aussie Bowl (Exhibition match played in Japan) Hawthorn defeated Carlton
• The Brownlow - John Platten
• The Norm Smith Medal - Gary Ayres

Hawthorn also won another trophy that year, The Ballarat Begonia Festival Challenge Match. Hawthorn’s final practice match in 1986 was played in Ballarat against St Kilda as an added attraction to the Begonia Festival.

The match was played on Sunday 25 March at the City Oval in very windy conditions.  Hawthorn won the game, 24.20.164 to St Kilda 3.15.33 with Gary Buckenara starring with 5 goals.

After the humiliating defeat by Essendon in the 1985 Grand Final, Hawthorn was determined to make 1986 a year to remember and regain top billing in the VFL.  In a typical statement from newly appointed Captain, Michael Tuck summed up the Hawks’ approach at the end of the match.  “Commiserations to St Kilda but we’ve got to try to redeem ourselves after last year”.

The Ballarat Begonia Festival Challenge Cup will go on display for Family Day. 

Thanks to Club Legend Graham Arthur for the re-discovery of this forgotten trophy.

The Hawks Museum is still seeking the 1977 Night Premiership Cup, The Australian Championship Cup 1986, The mounted 1986 premiership football and the Pro Hart painted football presented to the club in 1987. 

If anyone can help relocate these trophies please contact the Hawks Museum on 03 9535 3075.


The 1986 Ballarat Begonia Festival Challenge Cup.