The Hawks are preparing to once again face-off against St Kilda in the 21st annual Blue Ribbon Cup in Round 16.
The Blue Ribbon Cup is played in honour of the courage and sacrifice of all Australian police officers and those that have fallen in the line of duty. In 2020, the match will be dedicated to the four Victoria Police Officers, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney, who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty in April this year. Players, coaches and on-field staff from both the Hawks and the Saints will wear blue and white checked armbands as a show of respect.
The long running match was first established in 2000 as a tribute to Victoria Police members, Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller who were killed in the line of duty in 1998, the match continues to honour these fallen men as well as the courage and sacrifice of all Australian police officers who have fallen in the line of duty.
The match will take place at Metricon Stadium for the first time in its history. All players will receive Blue Ribbon medals, with the best player from each team (voted by the opposing clubs CEO) to also be awarded Silk-Miller Memorial Medals.
Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves acknowledged the legacy of the Blue Ribbon Cup at Hawthorn.
“Hawthorn and St Kilda have played in the Blue Ribbon Cup for the past 20 years,” said Reeves.
“While the 2020 season is different to any other is so many ways, we wanted to make sure that the match was still played to continue its legacy at our club and to honour the work and commitment of police officers to the community.
“Earlier this year, we were all rocked by the tragic passing of four Victorian Police Officers and it reminded us all of the incredible sacrifice and service of everyone within the force.”
The Blue Ribbon Foundation was formed in 1988 to preserve the memory of Victoria Police members killed in the line of duty through the support of worthwhile community projects and programs. The foundation provides funding to Victoria’s public hospitals for the building of new and improved emergency facilities that can remember lives by saving others.
Relive our chat with youngster Jack Scrimshaw from 2019 to find out his connection to the Silk Miller Medal.
