2015 Season Launch recap
On Tuesday night, the Box Hill Hawks celebrated the launch of another season with the awarding of two life memberships, being audience to guest speakers Jarryd Roughead, Jordan Lewis, Chris Connolly and Matt Brewer, announcement of the 2015 leadership group and the presentation of playing guernseys to the 2015 playing list.
Take a look back through the evening as it unfolded.
We’re underway here at the Season Launch, Neil Butler beginning proceedings. #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Club President Tony Pinwill takes to the stage to award life memberships. #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
First life membership is awarded to Karen Lowery. #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Since 2000, Karen has offered outstanding service to the club as Gate Attendant (amongst other roles) on match-days at City Oval, which has been immensely appreciated on all levels and in doing so, she is recognised with Life Membership accordingly.
Karen was nominated under the provisions of life membership Criteria 2(ii) as adopted by the Board “For a person filling an official role with the Club other than a player, e.g. Director, Committee, Administrator, Match Day Official or Coach: 10 years of service.”
The second life membership is awarded to Paul Wheelton OAM. #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
For over 27 years, Paul has made an enormous personal and commercial contribution to the Box Hill Mustangs/Hawks Football Club, which is revered by the entire Box Hill Board, Staff, Playing Group & wider community.
Nominated in recognition of his incredible service under the following criteria:
Criteria 2(ii) as adopted by the Board “For a person filling an official role with the Club other than a player, e.g. Director, Committee, Administrator, Match Day Official or Coach: 10 years of service.”
After the awarding of the two Life Memberships, it was time to announce the Captain and Vice-Captains for the 2015 season.
.@d_mirra will captain Box Hill Hawks again in 2015, with Sam Iles and Mac Lock serving as his deputies. #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Pinwill: ”I’m confident we will continue to provide an elite environment for our players and staff.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
At this point, it was time for a delicious entree. When service resumed, it was Jarryd Roughead’s turn to take the stage who delighted the crowd with his humour and insights.
Roughead: “First time receiving the jumper is a big thrill… it’s something you’ll always remember” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Roughead: “My pre season hasn’t been too bad, hasn’t been too hot which is good for us with pale skin.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Roughead: “We have a very young forward group, so I’m trying to continue to improve on my leadership.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Roughead: “We (leadership group) feel like assistant coaches on the field in the way we know the gameplan.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
And with that, it was time to say goodbye to Roughead and welcome Chris Connolly to the stage, who provided what could only be described as a rousing speech.
Connolly: “I was at Hawthorn when Box Hill and Hawthorn merged… to me, they are one club.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Connolly then proceeded to recall a young Sam Mitchell slogging away with little-to-no fanfare…
Connolly: “I said to David Parkin… 'let’s count just how many touches this kid gets…’” That kid was Sam Mitchell. #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Connolly: “It’s the disappointments that makes you become a better player.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Connolly: If you’ve gut the guts and got the passions, you’ll go on to be whatever it is you want to be.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
With that, it was time to hear from the coaches and first up was Development Coach Matt Adolph.
Adolph: “The relationship between @HawthornFC and Box Hill just seems to be one big happy family.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Adolph: “It’s always pleasing to see the blokes who do pre season and miss out on round one and continue to push toward selection.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Adolph was followed by Senior Coach Marco Bello.
Bello: “It’s been a long pre season, it’s been arduous, tough but it’s given us a good opportunity to gel as a group.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Bello: “I have great confidence in our ability and it’s now up to the individuals to continue their development from here-on in.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Bello: “I’ve learned from last year to use my time better and how to delegate tasks.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Bello: Emerging leaders group consists: Exon, Lawlor, O’Donnell, Summers, Tobbin.” #Ourtime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Bello: “It’s the best form of development one can get,” on how @HawthornFC helps with player development. #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Bello: “To the players, coaches and support staff, it’s been six months of hard work… the real stuff starts now.” #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Bello: “I’m looking forward to another successful season, we’re still stinging about last year and it starts on Saturday.” #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
After hearing from Bello, it was time to enjoy the Mains, with fans across the world curious to see what the audience would be about to enjoy.
@ShaneinSaigon just for you! pic.twitter.com/aRcuY3CCJ0
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Once the meals were enjoyed by all, it was time for Jordan Lewis to front the audience fresh from his appearance on AFL 360, who talked about being a leader and backing up from Grand Finals.
Lewis: “I haven’t seen any signs of complacency. We’ve learned a lot from 2008.” #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Lewis: “It’s something you don’t want to repeat ever again.” #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Lewis: “i didn’t strive to be a leader, but you have to take it in both hands and realise people look up to you.” #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Lewis: “Us leaders and coaches have to recognise the next crop of leaders… they may not recognise it themselves.” #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Lewis: “It’s important we develop good leaders at @HawthornFC so they can bring that back with them to Box Hill as well.” #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Lewis: “You actually have to be aware of everything else around you, and not just yourself which I did when I started.” #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
After Lewis’ charismatic segment, it was on to the final speaker for the night and presenter of the 2015 guernseys, 2001 premiership captain Matt Brewer.
Brewer: “I had an injection (to hide calf injury) that I shouldn’t have had leading into the 2001 GF and tore it 30 seconds in.” #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Brewer: “When I came to the club, it was Livingston and Banfield who instilled what the jumper was to me.” #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Brewer recalling a game against North Melbourne that saw Box Hill overturn a 30-point margin to win. A special BHH moment for him. #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Before the jumper ceremony begun, Butler and the audience took the time to highlight the work of Club Photographer Jenny Owens and continued outstanding contributions to the club.
The room is recognising the fantastic effort of Club Photographer @hawk_chick – loudest applause of the night so far. #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
Marco Bello now calling players up one-by-one, starting with 2013 Premiership captain David Mirra. #OurTime
— Box Hill Hawks (@BoxHillHawks) April 14, 2015
With box hill 2001 premiership skip Matt Brewer last night. Thanks @damiancarroll18 for photo. @BoxHillHawks pic.twitter.com/eDu1JFpD2a
— David Mirra (@d_mirra) April 15, 2015
After every player received their guernsey, it was time to bid farewell as an outstanding evening came to an end.
