The Hawthorn players weren’t the only ones receiving support at UTAS Stadium on Saturday, with an important cause also given a helping hand.
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Members of the South Launceston Junior Football Club joined Hawks midfielder Will Langford in promoting the Step Back Think’s campaign Lace Up.
Aimed at combating social violence in the community, more than 150 sporting clubs across Australia have signed up to participate in the campaign, which involves players wearing orange shoelaces throughout the month of August.
Hawthorn midfielder Langford said he was inspired to take a deeper look at the issue, after being approached by the charity.
“It’s been really insightful to get to know people behind the charity and hear some of the stories as well,” he said.
“I haven’t had any personal experience with the issue, but we had someone from Step Back visit the club a couple of years ago, and what they said really hit home.”
The 25-year-old and the rest of his Hawthorn teammates had their final training run at UTAS Stadium on Saturday afternoon, where they were cheered on by an army of loyal fans.
Among them was seven-year-old Charlotte Adams, who presented her favourite player, Luke Hodge, with a picture she had made herself ahead of his final game in Tasmania.
Her mother Michelle Casey said it was difficult to explain the 33-year-old’s departure.
“She keeps asking ‘Where’s Hodgey going?’” she said.