03/09/2026
HELP CHEER FITZY AND THE HAWKS ON IN HIS LAST HOME GAME AS PLAYER-COACH
In recent weeks the club proudly announced that Jarrod Kessler has been appointed captain-coach for 2027, which will ensure the Hawks have a strong foundation to continue their success of recent years.
Of course, that success has come on the back of Jake Fitzpatrick returning to captain-coach the club in 2021. Jake was extremely determined to see his beloved Toukley enjoy success. Straight away he set about breaking first gradesโ long finals drought - which was on track to happen in 2021, before lockdown shut down the competition.
While disappointed, Fitzy and the boys shook off the setback and built slowly through 2022. After being 0/2 to start the year and middle of the pack at the half way point, the boys stormed into the semifinals and created history when claiming a 20-10 grand final win at Edsacc oval, nearly four years ago to the day.
However Jake was far from satisfied.
While several other community based clubs had enjoyed similar drought breaking wins over the preceding decade, none had been able to successfully defend their title. Fitzy rallied his boys from the start of preseason with a clear goal of doing exactly that. This would be no easy feat with six players missing from the 17 who won the title in 22. Undeterred, Fitzy instilled a next man up mentality as every youngster called into the side, stepped up and grew with the team.
Ultimately this group went on to claim the minor premiership - the first in club history- before successfully defending their title with an epic 8-6 win. The belief Fitzy instilled in the group was outstanding and flowed onto coming seasons.
In 2024 the Hawks battled a ridiculous injury toll, before fighting their way into another grand final. A year later, the team underwent their biggest turnover in recent memory with several key players stepping out. However, once again Jake moulded the group around the pillars he believes in and ultimately led his new look side to yet another decider in 2025.
On the eve of leading his beloved Hawks into a fifth consecutive finals series - and his last as a first grade player-coach - itโs fair to say Jakes achievements will be remembered for eternity. Mate we are so grateful and proud for the ride so farโฆ. And excited to watch you lead the boys into battle at Hawks stadium one more time on Fathers Day. Enjoy the moment mate
We encourage all Hawks supporters to get to Darren Kennedy Oval this Sunday to cheer Jake and the boys on against The Entrance. With both sides putting their seasons on the line, we have no doubt it will be a cracker of a game โฆ and your support could make all the difference ๐๐