May 2005

Hawks in flying visit to Kingston Centre

In their day, Collingwood six-footers were considered tall.

So when Hawthorn ruckman Peter ‘Spider’ Everitt visited Kingston Centre Nursing Home residents were impressed.

‘Spider’ stands 203 centimetres–six foot six in the old money.

His teammate Trent Croad, although only six foot two—190 centimetres—also towered over residents.

The Hawks’ height and bulk prompted questions about diet and the players stressed the importance of nutrition and exercise not only to themselves but also to older people.

The visit came only days after ANZAC Day and the discussion turned to the Hawthorn club’s visit to the Kokoda trail in the off-season—a trip that led to a new understanding of the significance of the day to Australian seniors.

‘Spider’ and Trent scored some new Hawk fans during the visit—they left to the strains of ‘We’re a happy team at Hawthorn…’ and best wishes for the season.