Hawks’ 140th anniversary is one for the history books

ON Saturday June 14 in 1879, a group of men got together for a game of football.

Led by the captain, Mr Cuddy, the Drysdale Football Club was formed, going down to the Chilwell 2’s six goals to two.

Further games that year saw further losses to East Geelong, Wanderers, and a thrilling draw against Artillery.

Since that time, the Drysdale Football Club has grown in leaps and bounds, and the club got together last weekend at GMHBA Stadium, the home of the Geelong Cats, to celebrate 140 years of a great club.

The exact weekend saw the club wear commemorative jumpers in various home games, wearing the club strip from 1935, and a Gala event held a week later to ensure everyone got the chance to celebrate the amazing milestone.

Planning started more than 12 months ago, and the small team of volunteers wanted to make sure they were able to put together a night to honour and rejoice in the clubs proud history.

With plenty of memorabilia, photographs and some of the club’s past jumpers and apparel on display in the foyer, guests all made a red carpet entrance before entering the room full of tables to seat the 350-plus event.

Throughout the night, the guests were entertained by comedians the Nelson Twins, and Angie Hilton’s 80’s ladies musical act, which got the dance floor pumping well into the night.

Hosted by former player and club president John Edsall, there was a number of videos produced for the night, featuring more photos and videos from years past, as well as some amazing interviews with club royalty such as Jack Chatfield, Alan Taylor and Geoff Wisbey; more contemporary identities included Greg Scott, Alan Bliss and Marty Trewhella; and names for the future such as Luke Preece, Tess Craven and Brooke Lowe.

John also conducted live interviews with two of the club’s VFL/AFL representatives, Tom Ruggles and Rex Deeath.

The club thanked the team who organised and coordinated the night. The 350 guests who attended enjoyed an event for the history books.