Hawkey joins the prestigious ‘200 Club’ on Saturday
Eagles 1st Grade captain, Matt Hawke, will become the twenty-seventh player in the history of the club to reach 200 games, joining the list of club legends who have been loyal servants and tremendous players over our rich 54-year history.
Ahead of the milestone match on Saturday, Hawkey said he is honoured to be amongst some great names and be etched in the history of the club, but for him at the end of the day, it’s about going out there and winning the game.
He says “All I want to do is win on Saturday, I don’t really care about the 200th game as long as we get the win, that’s all that matters… But if you look through that list, there are some special names there and a lot of proud history for the club, so obviously it means a lot to me”.
When asked about what motivates him to keep coming back and playing games for the Eagles, Hawkey says it’s all about the love he has for playing rugby with his mates and the atmosphere at Nicholls Oval.
“It’s just that deep culture and its gone on for a long time. Now I’m playing with blokes like Rousey, Crowey, Sammy Hyland and Tommy Haddad, who hopefully one day will be the next 200 game players. It’s pretty special, turning up and having those young blokes keep you buzzing and keep you motivated”.
“A 1st Grade premiership is what keeps me hungry, and it’s why I love coming to training… I’m still enjoying it, I still feel like I’m 21”.
Coach Marco Caputo has nothing but admiration for Hawkey, and is proud of the type of character and player that he is around the club. Caputo says that it’s a really big achievement for someone who has come through the club and played around the world.
“He’s driven, always amongst our best trainers, he plays with his heart on his sleeve, he’s committed and what you can’t question with him is his effort and the energy he brings to the club” Caputo said.
Hawkey’s reputation at the Eagles precedes him. Just ask a few of these club legends who have played alongside him…
“Playing with Hawkey is like playing with the Tasmanian Devil, you have no idea what will happen next and when that tornado is coming I just tried to get out of the way. I’m proud to have played so many games him, he’s such a legend of the club and I’m sure he’ll play many more. I’m so proud of him and he deserves all the accolades that come” Alex Small
“In my opinion one of our greatest homegrown talents. Played in the red and black from 13 years old and has always put the club first. Hawke has accomplished plenty of higher honours and success overseas. Was an honour to play with him and I wish him nothing but success in 2021. He will go down as one of the most competitive and hardest players the competition has ever seen. Who wants to party with the Dog? I do!” Ben McGee
“Hawkie is a true clubman and club stalwart, Hawkie gives his best every time he laces up for the mighty eagles. Hawkie loves the eagles and he prides himself on being the most consistent and most reliable performer and has put his body on the line every time he plays for the Eagles.
I’ve been lucky enough to play alongside Hawkie in his first years at the club and have been even luckier to watch him grow into a true leader at the club over the years. Congratulations on your massive achievement of 200 games for the Eagles, it is well deserved. There aren’t many eagles players that can say they have busted and broke their body as much as you have for this amazing job, good luck on the weekend” Matt Power.
Let’s turn up in full force at Phillip Oval on Saturday to see Hawkey run out with the boys for his 200th. 1st Grade kick off at 3pm, and the official post-match function will be at Cornerstone Pub in Gungahlin.
Take a trip down the Hawke-Dog’s memory lane…
