Hawthorn released a statement to announce the passing of club legend Graham Arthur on January 11 at the age of 84. He was a star forward, playing 232 games and kicking 201 goals 1955-1968. He captained the Hawks to their first premiership in 1961.
In the statement, the club said, “Graham embodied the Hawthorn Football Club’s values and was renowned for his ability to stand up in times of need - the bigger the occasion, the better Graham played. However, his contribution ... runs much deeper than his on field achievements, with Graham going on to work in both the club’s marketing department and Social Club following his playing and coaching career.”
Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to have lost a man of such immense character as Graham. Graham was John Kennedy Snr’s lead commando* and the type of clubman who would inspire his teammates through example and trust. All those who have been lucky enough to don the brown and gold in more recent years have benefited from the culture of success that Graham helped sew into Hawthorn’s fabric. Graham was a Hawthorn person through and through and he will always live on within our club."
Honors:
Best and fairest 1955, 1958 and 1962
Captain 1960-1968
Hawthorn Team of the Century
Victorian representative in 12 games
Coach 1964-1965
*Kennedy instituted an extremely grueling, strict Army-like training regimen for the players under him. As a result. they were nicknamed "Kennedy's Commandos".
Source: theage.com.au, ed. note
Article last changed on Monday, September 12, 2022 - 5:15 PM EDT
