Attendance: 30 Members: 26 (of 47) 55% Guests: 4
Speaker: Professor Robert Pascoe: Secrets of Hawthorn's Success
At our Tuesday meeting, we had the pleasure of listening to Professor Robert Pascoe (from Victoria University and President of the Royal Victorian Historical Society). The presentation delivered by Professor Pascoe offered an engaging and insightful exploration into the factors behind team success in the AFL, with a particular focus on Hawthorn’s impressive legacy over the past five decades. Drawing on his extensive credentials as a historian and author—including his renowned work “The Winter Game”—Professor Pascoe was exceptionally well placed to lead the discussion.
Professor Pascoe provided a compelling historical perspective on player fitness, referencing notable figures such as Brendon Edwards and the era of Kennedy’s Commandos. The evolution of Hawthorn’s supporter base was also examined, highlighting its remarkable growth from humble beginnings to its current strength.
A significant portion of the talk was dedicated to the symbolic aspects of the club, such as the transformation of its jumpers, the shift in club identity from the Mayblooms to the Hawks, theme songs, and the influence of marquee players. Professor Pascoe also addressed the roles of key management and coaching figures, the importance of team cohesion, and the historical context of divisions—including Protestant and Catholic tensions—as well as the experiences of Indigenous players.
The analysis of John Kennedy’s iconic “DON’T THINK! Do!” speech was a fitting highlight, especially appreciated by the Hawthorn enthusiasts (“tragics”) in attendance. Overall, the presentation was informative, well-structured, and enriched with both historical depth and personal anecdotes, making it a memorable session for all present.
