Number 9 – Col Austen, Brendan Edwards, Robert DiPierdomenico, Shane Crawford, Shaun Burgoyne

Three of Hawthorn’s Brownlow medallist have worn number 9, Col Austen, Robert DiPierdomenico and Shane Crawford.  

Col Austen (1940-41, 1943, 1946-49, Games 85) the war years robbed him of more football success. He was a brilliant defender who always attacked the ball with great determination.  In his final year he tied for the Brownlow with South Melbourne’s Ron Clegg but was awarded the Brownlow retrospectively in 1989.  Named in the Team of the Century, 2001.

Brendan Edwards (1956-61, 1963, Games 109) achieved Hawthorn immortally by being named ‘best on ground’ in the 1961 Grand Final with his 30 plus disposals. Introduced the famed Kennedy Commandos style training, laying the foundations for the 1971 premiership.
Named in the Team of the Century, 2001, Inducted into the Hall of Fame 2011.

Robert DiPierdomenico (1975, 1978-91, Games 240), larger than life character with the now famous claim that he was ‘born to play finals’. A strong and fearless player, much loved by his teammates and the fans, won the Brownlow in 1986 tying with Sydney Swan, Greg Williams. Dipper played in five premierships, 1978, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1989.  Named in the Team of the Century, 2001, Inducted into the Hall of Fame 2008.

Shane Crawford (1993-2008, Games 305), was the face of Hawthorn for virtually his whole career. A magnificent on-baller and leader. Named Captain, 1999-2004. He won the Brownlow Medal in 1999 then achieved his ultimate dream: a Premiership in 2008, his final game with the Hawks. Inducted into the Hall of Fame 2014.

Shaun Burgoyne (2010- on, Games 138), popular current star known to all as Silk. A very creative player with great anticipation, responsible for many attacking moves from defence. Has played in three premierships, 2013, 2014, 2015.