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More than 12,000 spectators watched the Hawthorn Pink Ribbon Game against the Western Sydney Giants on Saturday.
Plenty of pink ribbon supporters, raising awareness for Cancer Council Tasmania, added splashes of vivid colour to the sea of brown and gold in the stands.
The score remained fairly even for much of the game, adding to an electric festive atmosphere.
At the start, a moving pink honour guard of people affected by cancer ushered the Hawks onto the field.
Cheers burst from the crowd as the ball moved up and down the field, creating a thrilling ambience.
But as a last minute goal levelled the scores, the crowd hushed as the siren announced the end of the game.
Huddo Family Zone launched
Northern Auskick kids and their families had an exciting new view to watch the Hawthorn Pink Ribbon Game on Saturday afternoon.
The ‘Huddo Family Zone’ was launched at the University of Tasmania Stadium where Auskick families can watch two Hawks matches this year.
Hawks Club legend Peter ‘Huddo’ Hudson was recognised for his football contributions with the new family zone and stand named after him.
“I’m extremely proud of that,” Mr Hudson said.
He was also proud of the 20,000 plus children who had been involved in the Bupa Kidfit Triathlon during the past about 18 years, which he has been involved in.
“The stand was all about family, and having a healthy family.”
His grandchildren were all keen supporters, which Mr Hudson hoped other families could share together too.
Exciting first AFL match for Tom
The Hawthorn Pink Ribbon Game was an exciting match for young Tom, 8.
He and his father Rod Davis, of Evandale, arrived early at UTAS Stadium, just in time for freebies from Bupa on the newly manicured ground.
Tom was soon carrying around a football, free tickets, t-shirts, and food.
“It’s been good,” Tom said.
They were both supporting the Hawks, but Tom’s favourite team was Port Adelaide.
He was joined other youngster on the field during the “watermelon challenge”, where a watermelon was tunnelled between legs.
Mr Davis said he usually tried to go to a football game two to three times a year.
“There’s an excellent crowd, I think the pink awareness has really brought in the crowds,” he said.
“There’s great football conditions and the weather is good.”
They watched the Hawks and the Giants battle it out from the new Huddo Family Zone.
Mr Davis said it was an excellent stand for the Auskick kids and their families to use.
Cancer Council Tasmania tickled pink by support
Cancer Council Tasmania volunteers and staff were out in force on the day.
Community engagement senior team leader Bec Townsend said about 15 had been wandering around selling pink merchandise to go towards supporting people with cancer.
“It’s been a brilliant day, we’re always thrilled with the support,” Ms Townsend said.
“We say every Tasmanian has a cancer story, whether it’s family, work colleagues or ourselves.”
Fortunately the community always supported the charity, she said.
Tess Brunton
I recently returned from across the ditch where I worked at New Zealand Fairfax paper The Timaru Herald and developed a love of mountains. Originally I'm a mainlander from an area known for cheese, the Bega Valley, who also dabbled in radio at ABC RCAFF before finding a place in newspapers. I can often be found hiking, caving or climbing when I'm not cursing at my work computer or technology in general.
I recently returned from across the ditch where I worked at New Zealand Fairfax paper The Timaru Herald and developed a love of mountains. Originally I'm a mainlander from an area known for cheese, the Bega Valley, who also dabbled in radio at ABC RCAFF before finding a place in newspapers. I can often be found hiking, caving or climbing when I'm not cursing at my work computer or technology in general.
