"Spectemur Agendo” – Let us be judged by our actions.

A connection that never ends

Through seasons of great deeds, periods of desperate struggles or moments of participation the past players and officials become the living history of the club.

If your direct association with the club has recently ended or your involvement finished some time ago, your connection to the club is forever.

The Past Players and Officials Association is there to provide a pathway for all our former Hawks to continue their relationship with the brown and gold for life.

Our Heritage

Building the Foundation of the PP&OA

Like many clubs in the AFL, Hawthorn’s Past Players and Officials formed an association as a way of keeping those not directly involved with club administration or playing still supporting club activities. For the Hawthorn Football Club, although an association for Past Players and Officials first originated in the 1940’s, it wasn’t until prior to the 1961 season that a meeting was called for all former players to see if the Past Players and Officials Association (PP&OA) could be re-established.

The club was keen to get assistance from former players and officials and involve them in Club activities, particularly with the mentoring of new players and to assist with fund raising at the weekly Pleasant Sunday mornings. The Hawthorn City Council made available a room at the back of the Glenferrie Oval Grandstand for the re-formed Association to meet.

At the opening meeting Jack McLeod, who was nominated by the Club, was appointed Chairman and Stuart Hamilton as Secretary-Treasurer with 150 members joining during the season.

1940s

Origins of the PP&OA.

1961

Re-establishment of the modern Association.

150

Members in the first season under inaugural leades Jack McLeod and Stuart Hamilton.

Celebrating milestones and supporting growth

In the 1961 season the PP&OA made available a weekly incentive award of 2 guineas ($5) for the Best Player of each game and introduced a special trophy of 50 guineas ($110) for the season’s Best Player which Brendan Edwards won. By the late 60’s the PP&OA had introduced milestone awards (50 games,100 games etc) and were actively involved in fund raising for the improvement in club facilities.

Purpose of our Association

Community & Heritage

Preserving the Hawthorn spirit

Foster Fellowship: Cultivating lasting companionship and goodwill among all past players and officials.
Keep Traditions Alive: Actively maintaining the unique spirit, history, and traditions of the Club.
Strengthen Bonds: Building a continuous, robust relationship between the Association and the Hawthorn Football Club.

Member Welfare & Support

Caring for Our Own

Dedicated Assistance: Providing critical support for members facing financial, health, or medical distress.
Career Transition: Offering guidance and resources to players as they transition from their playing days into retirement.
Welfare Advocacy: Ensuring the ongoing wellbeing of our members remains a central priority of the Association.

Connection & Growth

Networking and Future Success

Professional Networking: Promoting business and social networking opportunities to help members thrive beyond football.
Social Engagement: Organising regular functions and events to encourage social interaction across the community.
Sustainable Funding: Actively raising funds to ensure the Association can continue its work for generations to come.

PP&OA Constitution

Our Constitution serves as the guiding document for everything we do. It defines our mission, protects our heritage, and provides the framework for how we support our Past Players and Officials.

Annual Reports

To stay informed on the Association's governance and progress, members can access the annual reports which detail the year's activities, financial standing, and key resolutions, plus the latest from the club.