Sid Syrett was Graham Arthur’s personal trainer, and as a thank-you to Syd after the ’61 Grand Final celebrations, Graham presented his long-sleeved guernsey to Syd for his valued assistance in helping to keep Arthur match-fit during the 1961 season.
From the 1950s to the 1970s, senior players were issued two guernseys; one sleeveless and one long-sleeved.
The common belief during that era was that on hot days players wore the sleeveless guernsey to help keep cooler, and on wet and rainy days players wore the long sleeves to stay warmer. It was also thought that long sleeves helped with chest marking as the woolen surface provided a ‘better grip’ for the football.
50 years later, Graham Arthur’s guernsey has been returned to the Club.
Syrett, who passed away in 1967, served as a trainer from 1937 to 1962 and received a Life Membership in 1949.
In other Hawks Museum news, Adrian Cox recently passed on a photo of himself with his grandfather and his brother Nicolas sporting Hawthorn blazers circa-1960, standing in front of the old Wooden Stand at Glenferrie Oval.
The photo is another welcome addition to the Club Collection, showing the dress attire of the Club’s training staff, resplendent in white pants and the then Club tie.
Of added interest are the boys’ blazer pockets with the word “Hawthorn” emblazoned - as only the players and staff were entitled to wear the official Club uniform during that era.
The museum would like to hear from anyone that may have a junior blazer, email hawksmuseum@hawthornfc.com.au
Sid Syrett with his grandson’s Adrian (right) and Nicholas (left).
