Hawthorn supporters Hannah Chambers and Zac Marshman with Hawks star Sam Mitchell.Luke Hodge with Sheldon Ronald, James and Patrick Parker and Cardinia Shire mayor Kate Lempriere.
By John Gavegan
WELCOME rain fell in Pakenham on Friday, but that didn’t deter more than 150 kids along with a large crowd attending Toomuc Reserve to welcome the Hawthorn Football Club.
It was the Hawks’ first visit to Pakenham for an official training session, the day held in conjunction with Pakenham Junior Football Club and Cardinia Shire.
All voted it a great success, with the Hawks praising Toomuc Reserve for its excellent condition and surface, kept lush by bore water.
The Hawks went through a vigorous and intensive training session and then spent more than an hour holding free football clinics with the children.
Stars such as Sam Mitchell, Trent Croad, Buddy Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and Campbell Brown showed groups of delighted children the finer points of the game such as marking, handball and kicking.
This was followed by the chance to meet the coaches at a special forum and then players took time to mingle and chat with the crowd, sign autographs and enjoy a barbecue prepared by the Pakenham Junior Football Club.
Hawk star Shane Crawford described the day as excellent and the ground as one of the best they had trained on.
“It a credit to the shire and the club is looking at coming back again soon,” he said.
Crawford predicted exciting times ahead for the Hawks with its group of emerging young talent.
“The players really enjoyed coming here for a change of training venue, as well as the chance to meet our supporters. We have many in this area,” he said.
This was echoed by one team vicecaptain Luke Hodge.
“It was great to come out here and show our appreciation to our supporters, particularly the kids,” he said.
Cardinia Shire mayor Kate Lempriere also described the day as a great success.
“It was great for Pakenham, particularly the kids, and I hope Hawthorn comes back. In fact, I hope they make it a permanent fixture,” she said.
“We need events like this for the youth of Pakenham.”
