The Harden Hawkettes marked a decade of dedication, friendship, and football with a heartfelt reunion on June 29, bringing together past and present players to celebrate ten years since the club entered the George Tooke Shield League Tag competition in 2015.
The milestone was celebrated in true Hawkettes fashion with a spirited “past vs present” league tag match, followed by a social afternoon alongside the Harden Hawks First Grade men’s side, who added to the festivities with a win over Boorowa.
Hawkettes coach and founding player Georgia Smith reflected on the significance of the day, and what it meant for the women involved.
“We brought all the past and present players together for a 10-year reunion,” said Smith. “I think we had about 35 of us out there on the day, having a run, sharing some food and drinks, and just reminiscing on the last decade.”
Smith, alongside her sister Clare, Emma James, and Kate Menz, remains one of the four original players still active in the squad since the team’s inception in 2015.
“That’s a long time to be playing footy,” she laughed. “But honestly, not too much has changed. I live in Harden but work in Canberra, and I’ve played a fair bit in Canberra too, but I’ve never wanted to leave this team. The club culture is what’s kept me here. Jason and Jodie, our president and his wife, have done such a great job building this club into something special. It’s like a second home.”
The reunion wasn’t just a chance to relive old memories, it was a vivid reminder of how strong the Hawkettes community remains. With over 70 players having donned the maroon and gold over the past decade, the gathering included a wide range of ages and life stages.
“It was so good seeing the different generations come together,” Smith said. “Some of the older girls are married now, have kids, and they were still out there running around. We’ve had locals and players from out of town Yass, Boorowa and everyone fits in.”
Smith believes the club’s success can be traced far beyond tactics and training sessions. “A lot of people ask how we’ve managed to stay successful over the years,” she said. “And it’s not just about skill on the field, it’s the friendships, the culture, and the fun we have together. Whether we win or lose, we do it as a team, and we celebrate that.”
The reunion not only highlighted a proud past but reaffirmed the strong foundations for many more years to come for the Hawkettes, a club built on connection, resilience, and genuine love for the game.
-Liam Stuart
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