Thirty-seven players from Box Hill have successfully transitioned to the AFL, underscoring the robustness of the enduring VFL-AFL partnership, which stands as the longest-running alignment in the league’s history.
In December 1999, Hawthorn Football Club and Box Hill Football Club forged an alliance, birthing the Box Hill Hawks. The negotiations were spearheaded by Hawthorn’s CEO, Michael Brown, President Ian Dicker, Vice-President Ivan Moore, alongside Box Hill’s Directors Tony Pinwell, Mark Lisle, and John Ure.
This affiliation facilitated the representation of Hawthorn players not selected in the weekly side by the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL. Additionally, Hawthorn members received Box Hill Hawks Season memberships, granting them access to every home match at Box Hill City Oval.
Donald McDonald was appointed as the inaugural coach, with Brian Coleman serving as Chairman of Selectors. One year later, Box Hill clinched their maiden VFL premiership, a feat repeated in 2013 and 2018.
This enduring alliance has yielded numerous triumphs, including premierships and the elevation of various players and coaches to the AFL level. Notably, five players from the 2001 VFL Premiership team played pivotal roles in Hawthorn’s 10th Premiership, namely Chance Bateman, Robert Campbell, Mark Osborne, Mark Williams, and current Hawthorn coach, Sam Mitchell.
With 37 Box Hill players drafted into the AFL, the pathway from VFL to AFL remains a testament to the sustained success of the program.
To commemorate 25 years of this remarkable partnership, a celebration will be held at River’s Edge on Friday, June 21, featuring a panel of esteemed guest speakers. For more details and ticket bookings, please visit our website.
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