Harold Hawke

Harold Hawke was the most typical case of where a successful league football career is almost impossible to combine with the pursuit of a life of working on the land. Widely known as ‘Dribbler’ in the South Australian football community, Harold was a state schoolboy player before making his league debut for North Adelaide late in 1927. The following year Harold secured employment on a farm at Curramulka, a two hour drive from Adelaide. Harold purchased a property in the Curramulka area soon after.

From his debut in 1927 to his last game in 1940, Harold managed just 70 games for North Adelaide. Such was his standing in South Australian football that a large percentage of those games were finals. Harold would play out the season with Curramulka and then come to Adelaide to help North Adelaide at finals time. Harold played in the 1930 and 1931 North Adelaide premiership teams and his forward play combination with the legendary Ken Farmer made them virtually unstoppable. Harold with his height and agility was a treat to watch, a splendid high mark, very quick for a tall player and with a thumping long kick.

In 1937, Harold managed to play 14 minor round games with the Roosters and won the Magarey Medal. He was selected in the 1933 and 1937 South Australian carnival sides, the first time a country player has ever been selected in these teams without playing a league game prior. While North Adelaide were keen to have him play for them at every opportunity, the pressure was always on him to maintain his form with Curramulka. Harold won the Mail Medal in the Yorke Valley association in 1937 and was runner up in 1935 and 1938. Harold played for Curramulka into his forties, culminating with him playing a starring role in the 1950 premiership team.