Emergency Services Match Report

EXCERPT: Page 28, HawkTalk 2019

Hawthorn was proud to host the inaugural BankVic Emergency Services Match in Round 16, taking on Collingwood in recognition and celebration of the work of Emergency Services personnel from across the state.

The Emergency Services Match used the power of football to shine a light on the ordinary men and women who do extraordinary things, risking their lives every day to protect and support our communities.

The game provided an opportunity to raise much needed funds for the Emergency Services Foundation, an organisation established in 1983 after the Ash Wednesday fires. The foundation works to assist Emergency Services staff and volunteers in times of need through a range of support services.

Fans were treated to a spectacular pre-game show that included an exhilarating flyover by an Ambulance Victoria helicopter, a motorcade of Emergency Service vehicles, followed by a touching music performance from Victorian paramedic, Steve Doyle.

Representatives from each Emergency Service arose from all corners of the arena, gathering on the hallowed turf of the MCG for Hawthorn’s guard of honour and their well-deserved time in the spotlight.

Victoria Police member, Senior Sergeant Niall Waring was given the privilege of delivering the game ball to umpires before the first bounce.

Under Friday night lights, both teams put on a hard-ball performance that had a crowd of 66,407 on the edge of their seats.

Playing his second AFL game, young-gun Ollie Hanrahan booted a pivotal goal in the last term that landed the Hawks in front for the first time in the match. Hawthorn kept its lead across the thrilling final minutes, going on to defeat Collingwood by a narrow four points.

Premiership players Luke Breust and Ben McEvoy both celebrated their 200 game milestones on the night, making the victory just that little bit sweeter.

Hawthorn Football Club wishes to thank Emergency Management Victoria, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, CFA, Life Saving Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Victoria State Emergency Service and ESTA 000, alongside our match partners, BankVic, the Victorian Government, WorkSafe and TAC for their support in making the inaugural Emergency Services Match a reality.

© HAWTHORN FOOTBALL CLUB 2019. Originally published in Hawthorn Football Club's annual publication, HawkTalk (2019).