Local football recruiting is littered with stories from the incredible to the bizarre.
But how reigning GFNL premier Leopold added South Australian talent Henry Hawker may be the best.
First-year Lions coach Luke Kelly has revealed how an ad placed on Facebook marketplace by club runner Harry James selling an oversized pair of runners led them to the 195cm key forward.
“Henry turned up at his doorstep, and after that, (Harry) just enquired where he was playing his football and if he wanted to play somewhere local after finding out he was studying at the (Marcus Oldham) Agricultural College.
“He came on down, a couple of sessions and away we go.”
Hawker, who considered joining Central Highlands club Skipton, hasn’t played since suffering a serious knee injury in early 2023.
However, his resume includes a stint at under-18 level with SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens.
He kicked 31 goals with Kojonup in the Lower South Western Football League in 2022 before joining Robe in the Mid South Eastern Football League the following year.
“He’s played a fair bit of his time down back, but then shifted forward his last couple of years before injury,” Kelly said.
“He’s shown a fair bit in our front half, which is nice. He’s very mobile. He can get between the arcs and he’s fitting in quite nicely.
“He’s already talking and communicating with the other forwards. He’s a good kid, in terms of he’s always asking questions. ‘Is this right? Where should I be here?’
“From a young key forwards point of view, it’s going to hold him in good stead.”
Hawker looms as a handy replacement for Jake Pitt, who has joined Ovens and Murray club Albury.
However, Kelly has tempered early expectations.
“I think coming off a knee, you’re always looking to manage and build him in,” Kelly said.
“The first port of call is to get him back fully confident in that knee.
“If that means that’s in time for Round 1 and he’s fully fit and he’s put some games together, great.
“If not, we’re confident eventually he’ll find his way in.”
Leopold will play its lone practice match against Eastern League club Vermont before opening its quest for a hat-trick of flags against St Joseph’s at Lorne on Easter Sunday.
The Lions will get a chance to acclimatise to Stribling Reserve when they hold their pre-season camp in the coastal resort town this weekend.
X: @krockfootball
