Junior Hawks Launch Day 2026
If there's one thing we know about our Hawks community, it's that a bit of light rain isn't going to dampen our spirits - or our turnout! Today's Junior Club Launch Day at Gilbert Gordon Oval proved exactly that, with over 200 people showing up to kick off what promises to be an incredible 2026 season.
From 9am to 11am, the oval was absolutely buzzing with energy, laughter, and that unmistakable excitement that comes with the start of a new footy and netball season. Kids ran drills, parents caught up over coffee, and the whole place had that special community vibe that makes the Hawks so special.
One of the highlights of the morning was watching our senior players step up to run skills sessions for the juniors. This is what "Two Clubs, One Community" is all about - our experienced players giving back, sharing their knowledge, and inspiring the next generation of Hawks. On the netball courts, Kellie Duff, Ty Coppinger, Sarah Duff, and Hayley Rogers brought the energy and expertise, running the junior netballers through drills, skills, and plenty of fun games. Meanwhile, Jacob Stewart, Bailey and Ethan Azzopardi, and Ned O'Connor had the junior footballers working on their handballs, marking, and kicking. The senior players were patient, encouraging, and clearly loved being part of the action. Watching our young players learn from these athletes was truly special.
At the heart of it all were the kids - running, laughing, learning, and just having an absolute ball. Whether they were perfecting their bounce pass, practising their drop punt, or just soaking up the atmosphere with their mates, you could see the joy on every face. This is why we do what we do.
You can't launch a footy and netball season without good food, and our breakfast burgers were an absolute hit! Nothing beats a hot burger on a drizzly morning, and the queue at the BBQ never seemed to end (in the best possible way). And speaking of essentials - huge shoutout to the Mouthguard Man for being on-site and getting our junior players sorted for the season!
A big thank you goes out to everyone who bought a raffle ticket throughout the morning. Your support helps fund equipment, training resources, and all the little things that make our junior club run smoothly. Winners will be announced on our Junior Hawks social media pages, so make sure you're following along!
Yesterday perfectly captured what we're building at the Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club. When our senior players take time to mentor our juniors, when families turn out rain or shine, when the community comes together - that's when we're at our best. We're thrilled to be strengthening the connection between our Senior and Junior clubs in 2026. Our juniors aren't just the future of the Hawks - they're an essential part of our present. Supporting them, celebrating them, and creating pathways for their development is something we're deeply committed to.
To everyone who turned up today - thank you. To the volunteers who gave up their Sunday morning - thank you. To the senior players who led by example - thank you. And to the kids who brought the energy and enthusiasm - you're the reason we love this club.
Here's to a sensational 2026 season. Let's make it one to remember!
Go Hawks!
