Several decades ago I moved from Wellington to Melbourne, thereby – in the immortal words of New Zealand prime minister “Piggy” Muldoon – increasing the IQ of both nations. I rented a house in Hawthorn and became, by geographical association, a supporter of the Hawthorn Football Club. I swiftly fell in love with Aussie football, and Hawthorn has amply repaid my affection by being the most successful club since.
James Sicily misses a shot on goal during the 2024 AFL semi-final match against Port Adelaide. Credit: AFL Photos It has produced great teams and wonderful players (as have other clubs). But the 2024 team – which a fortnight ago won its first final since 2015, and was eliminated last week by a bare three points after inspirational captain James Sicily hit the post with a long shot in the last minute – may be the most exciting yet.
Age chief football writer Jake Niall found the exact word : exuberance. This young team plays with freedom and joy, revelling innocently in the beauty of what they are doing. And the young players’ preoccupation with celebrations is a manifestation of that innocence.
This amounts to nothing less than a restoration of the purity of sport. Of course, they want to win, but there’s also a sense of the old amateur ideal that it’s the game that counts. I admit I am partisan, but friends who follow other clubs have shared their delight in watching the Hawks play this year.
I may be pushing the metaphor, but it could be argued that .