Scotch College

Scotch influence in the Hawks’ premiership

Words: Mr David Ashton  Photography: Mr Tim Shearer

When Hawthorn Football Club won the 2008 AFL premiership, it came as a shock to many people, perhaps none more so than to Geelong supporters!

It may even have been a bit of a surprise to Hawthorn itself, which was looking forward to premiership success as part of an extended plan – but had hardly dared to dream it would come so soon.

Scotch has long had close links with Hawthorn, and this year is no exception. On the field, strong defender Campbell Brown (’01) and elusive and pacy forward Cyril ‘Junior’ Rioli (’07) played prominent roles in Hawthorn’s successful year, and performed well in the grand final win. Junior was an instant success in his first year with the Hawks.

Off the field, Jeff Kennett (’65) was a confident, enthusiastic club president, becoming famous for his brown and gold striped jacket, which he vowed to wear to games until his Hawks won a flag. Peter Sherwen (’75) coordinated the rotations and match-ups on match day, while John Wardrop (’77), Hawthorn’s opposition analyst, reported to the coaches and players on the team the Hawks were to play the following week.

Forty-eight years ago, when Hawthorn won the first of its 10 premierships, Scotch was also well represented on the field. Ian Law (’55), Michael Winneke (’55), Malcolm Hill (’56) and Colin Youren (’57) all played in that ground-breaking side. GS