The Harden Hawks reflected on a memorable season at their presentation night, with the club able to look back on a campaign that delivered two CRRL George Tooke Shield premierships.
The Hawks hosted both grand finals on home soil at McLean Oval, with the men overcoming North Canberra 20-6 after the ladies league tag produced an equally impressive 18-0 victory over the same opposition.
It was a fitting conclusion to a successful season for the club, with presentation night recognising the efforts of both premiership-winning teams as well as the individuals who made their mark throughout the year.
Versatile men’s player Corey Lucas was one of the night’s big winners, taking out both the Most Consistent award and the coveted Players’ Player honour.
Lucas’ ability to perform wherever required made him a valuable member of the Hawks throughout the season, with his teammates also recognising his contribution by voting him their Players’ Player.
Clare Smith was another to earn recognition from her teammates, receiving the ladies’ Players’ Player award after being voted the best by her peers.
Taylah Wilson capped off a magnificent season by taking out the ladies’ Most Consistent award, adding individual recognition to a campaign that finished with premiership success.
The men’s Best and Fairest award was shared by fullback Jack Nichols and hooker Casey Wall, who were named co-recipients following their respective contributions across the season.
Georgia Smith claimed the ladies’ Best and Fairest award, narrowly edging Emma James for the honour.
The Coaches’ Awards also went to popular recipients, with Josh Fogg recognised for his efforts with the men’s side and Josie Davis receiving the honour for the ladies.
While the individual awards provided plenty of recognition on the night, the achievements of the two teams remained the defining feature of Harden’s season.
For departing men’s coach Nick Hall, the premiership provided the perfect ending to a five-year association with the Hawks.
“I’ve had five good years at Hawks. They are great people and a fun club and town to play for,” Hall said.
Hall revealed he had made the decision to step away last year, extending his tenure for one final season as he felt both he and the players would benefit from a new voice, while also wanting to put family first.
He could hardly have scripted a better way to finish his time in charge.
“It was poetry to win it. It was a dream to win it undefeated. It was very satisfying to have the whole club remain undefeated,” Hall said.
Hall thanked the players and officials who had shared the journey with him, with Andrew McIllhatton receiving particular recognition for his contribution throughout the five years.
“I especially thank Andrew McIllhatton who shared the journey with me and made it enjoyable,” Hall said.
While Hall will step away from his coaching role, he is not saying goodbye to the club entirely, looking forward to returning to McLean Oval next season and remaining involved with the Hawks in the future.
“I look forward to having a beer on the hill at McLean next year and being involved again in the future,” he said.
Having secured both premierships on their home ground, the Hawks can look back on a campaign that showcased the strength of the club across both competitions, while providing Hall with a fitting conclusion to his time at the helm.
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