my boy!

From-
THE HERALDSUN
AFL GRAND FINAL DAY 2008

Hudson Hawka Knights the Hawthorn Mascot Steals the Show

BY Mikey Cahill

September 27, 2008 12:00am



WHILE Buddy Franklin is the superstar of the AFL, yesterday the Hawthorn mascot stole the show, leading the Grand Final parade in front of thousands of fans.

How do I know? Because I am Hudson Hawka Knights - Hawka for short.

Being the Hawthorn mascot for the 2008 AFL season has been stupendous . . . and sweaty. And yesterday was undoubtedly the highpoint.

I danced from the Arts Centre right up to Treasury Place.

I stopped for about 80 photos, signed dozens of jumpers and high-fived hundreds of fans. Hell, I even managed to thwack the Geelong mascot (HalfCat -- what a lame name), much to the chagrin of the guy inside . . . and incensed Cat supporters. Pussies.

As Hawka, I am expected to be there 90 minutes before each home game, navigating my way into the bowels of the MCG using my Player and Official pass. Am I player? No. An official? Not really.

Instead, I am an event.

Just getting the mascot suit on and establishing vision is an ordeal. The word "vision" is used loosely here, as I can see a few metres to my left and right but not directly in front.

This is particularly dangerous when timid youngsters approach in stealth mode, right in my blind spot, but to date I have not injured any fans.

As for the season's clashes, the best moment was slapping Eddie McGuire's behind.

While that was a personal highlight, it doesn't compare to running out on to the MCG today and representing the mighty, flying Hawks.

Watch out for my special "goalpost routine" that is sure to ruffle conservative feathers.

Mikey Cahill is a writer for extra hit magazine and has been a Hawthorn supporter for 31 years (including nine months in the womb)