SIXTIES FOOTBALL LEGENDS

MICHAEL HAWKINS

Michael Hawkins was the outstanding Demon wingman of the 1970's. He was a remarkable ball getter, attributable to his courage, tenacity and persistence.
He was rarely beaten.

Michael Hawkins anticipation was always spot on. And his entry into League football was no exception, celebrating it in the best possible way - a premiership in his first year. He began his football career at Hobart High School from where he moved to Hobart Matriculation College, playing in their 1965 premiership side. Hawkins had one year with OHA in the amateurs before joining North Hobart as a 17 year-old. It was 1967 and an inexperienced North Hobart side, under the guidance of former Geelong strongman John Devine, won the premiership. Their more highly fancied Glenorchy opponents were run off their legs, as the youthful Robins took the flag. It was a remarkable feat - considering Devine was in his first year as coach and North had come from fourth position on the ladder; after taking the wooden spoon the year before.

Hawkins started as a wingman/half forward and was an instant success. His ability to gain possession was second to none; he seemed to have the ball on a string. In fact, North Hobart made the grand final in Hawkins' first three years at the club. From 1967-69 they claimed two flags. It was Hawkins and his centreline team mates, Dickie Bennett, Trevor Best and Harry Dwyer, who set the team up for these memorable wins.

Hawkins played six seasons with the "Redlegs" before his teaching career took him to North Launceston for the 1973 season. He managed to win the Robin's best and fairest after playing only 10 games. he polled 27 votes to win by one vote from Rodney Radford. He returned to North Hobart the following year only to temporarily retire to concentrate on building a house. This decision cost him dearly as he missed out on another flag. All this was forgotten however in 1977. Hawkins' possession gathering skills again came under notice - this time by the men in white. He won the League's best and fairest award and in doing so broke a drought for the North Hobart club. Hawkins became their first William Leitch medallist since Noel "Nogger" Reid won the award 33 years earlier. In the medal count he polled 13 votes to win by two votes over Glenorchy's Mick Emery.
In a way this was appropriate as Hawkins revealed at the count that Nogger was the person that brought him into TFL football. He said " I went to Noel's home and asked him for a look at the Leitch medal. we went into the bedroom and out of the wardrobe he took a little blue box holding the William Leitch medal. "

Another year with the Demons before ending his career in 1979 - surprisingly the last season was with the Hobart Tigers under Mal Pascoe. Retirement from playing saw Hawkins take on junior coaching roles with Hobart, Clarence and North Hobart. Following this he featured on the ABC radio's footy show during the 80's before heading to London. 1987 & 1990 saw him living and teaching in the old dart - a far cry from Aussie rules and North Hobart.

Mick Hawkins looks back on his career humbly and jokingly refers to some of his playing experiences. " I wasn't the fastest player you know! I lined up on Robbie Dykes and Rodney Eade in their first senior appearances. I only lasted a quarter on both before being moved - they were too slick for me. " he quipped.

Difficult opponents also included "Butch" Plunkett and Peter Latham from New Norfolk while Neville Johnstone from Glenorchy and Clarence stars Bobby Lucas and Rod Stirling were always hard to match. Of his team mates, none were tougher than Father Devine who led by example. Dickie Bennett, while under rated, was as reliable as any, and Jimmy Wright's skills made the game look easy.

These days Mick Hawkins lives on the Eastern shore; married to Sue they have three children. Daughters Angela and Phillippa love netball - apparently their mother and Aunt Jenny wouldn't let them play anything else - while son Matthew relishes soccer but is about to convert to Aussie rules.

Michael Hawkins had great anticipation and was a prolific kick getter.

His record speaks for itself: over 150 games with the Demons, two premierships, TFL representative and a William Leitch Medallist - one thing's for certain - North Hobart could always count on Michael Hawkins!

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Michael Hawkins  - A Tasmanian Football Legend

 

To find out more about football in Tasmania today 
go to these websites. SFL ; NTFL