Dear HAFC Community,
Today the VAFA Board has confirmed that season 2020 will not proceed. Although disappointing, this is the right decision given the recent increase in new cases of COVID-19 in Victoria. We thank the VAFA Administration and Board for their on-going support and strong leadership during this challenging period.
At this time, I feel it’s important for us to maintain some perspective and focus on the positives of this year. Some highlights that immediately spring to mind include:
We had 50 new players register in 2020 across our 4 teams, appointed a largely new coaching group across our Men’s and Women’s programs, and had a number of people step up in Committee and volunteer roles. Welcome again to the new members of our Club and their families, we look forward to getting to know you even more in the back half of this year and into season 2021.
We are close to completing upgrades at Rathmines including electronic scoreboard, ball protection netting at the clubroom end, replacement of perimeter fencing and interchange shelters.
We continued with planning for the redevelopment of the Rathmines Pavilion, with work on track to commence later this year.
We welcomed a number of new babies to the Club, what an amazing year to be born! Hopefully we get to see these kids grow up and don the Hawks jumper in season 2038! Congratulations again to the new parents and their families.
The wider Club and in particular, the playing and coaching groups showed great resilience and care for each other during lockdown and when we returned to training at the start of June. We’ve set a strong foundation which will have us well positioned for pre-season 2021.
Looking ahead to the second half of this year, the Club’s strong intention is to carry on with regular events such as the Hawk Ball and Reverse Raffle. How and when these events can safely take place will be dependent on Government restrictions. We will also continue to fundraise with initiatives such as the Toyota Good for Footy Raffle and our Club Memberships. These activities will be a great opportunity for us to stay connected and have plenty of fun, whilst ensuring the on-going sustainability of our Club into season 2021 and beyond. I encourage all members of our community along with their friends and family to get involved in these initiatives.
I’d also like to acknowledge our loyal supporters and Club partners including: Bendigo Bank Surrey Hills, Auburn Hotel, Beer Deluxe Hawthorn, Anytime Fitness Kew, Burnley Brewing, Telstra Store Hawthorn, Blood Orange Foodstore, Jellis Craig Hawthorn, Rebel Sport Richmond, Glenferrie Gourmet Meats, Mayhem Barbers, Cheeta Teamwear, Jax Tyres Hawthorn and Big Swing Golf Kew. The HAFC community will continue to get right behind your businesses for the remainder of this year and into season 2021.
Finally, please look after yourself, your families and other members of our community. The health and safety of our players, volunteers, officials and their families is always the number one priority. Please keep in mind that the WINGS program is available to anyone in the extended HAFC family.
This is not season over for 2020 from a club perspective, just a pause on playing. We will continue to update you through our Facebook and Instagram pages in the hope you can join us in the coming months.
Stay well, Sam.
Signing up for season 2038! Clockwise from top left: Sarah Delbosc and partner Casey with Teddy, Drew Moulden and partner Carina's baby Miles, Kelly Clark and her partner Hayden welcomed Hunter at the start of the year, and Jock Gennaccaro and his partner Kylie's baby Flynn.
New scoreboard ready for next season! Thanks to Dave Hayden for the photo.