Hawks trip to Kokoda the most challenging of emerging star Harry Morrison’s sporting life

It was the most challenging experience of emerging Harry Morrison’s life, but the young Hawk says his club’s recent trip abroad — in which the coach again went along — will have long-lasting effects.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson (left) and some of his players took on the Kokoda Track. Pics: hawthornfc.com.au

Hawthorn’s recent trip to Kokoda with 16 players, coaches and staff was the most challenging experience of Harry Morrison’s sporting life, but he’s convinced it will stand him and his teammates in good stead heading into 2019.

And the lessons learnt in terms of understanding the sacrifice young Australians made during World War II will last for even longer.

Morrison joined coach Alastair Clarkson, assistant coaches Sam Mitchell and Darren Glass, and players including new teammate Chad Wingard, on the club’s sixth trip to Kokoda, in Papua New Guinea, saying it was a task that he will never forget.

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“It was definitely the toughest thing I have done mentally and physically,” Morrison said. “It was a challenge, day in and day out.

“On the first day we were looking around at each other, thinking, ‘How the hell are we going to do five more days of doing this?’ But you somehow find a way. It would be tough by yourself, but when you get to do it with a ripper crew, it just gets you through.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson (left) and some of his players took on the Kokoda Track. Pics: hawthornfc.com.au

“It was 20 to 30 kilometres just hiking. It’s a relentless track, but it’s such a rewarding experience to learn about the past and the history in general.”

The 20-year-old said the group’s tour guide during the six-day trek ensured players were made aware of the sacrifices made by the Anzacs in repelling the Japanese advance: “He would explain the stories about what happened and where it happened ... and there were a few moments where it got a bit emotional.

The Hawks tackle the tough terrain.

“The moment that got me was when we were standing in front of the (four) pillars. Our tour guide was reading out this poem from the perspective of a little girl who had gone to school and it was ‘bring your father day’. Her father wasn’t there.

“I got a bit of a lump in my throat and even the coaches had a bit of a tear in their eyes. That’s when it all hit home a bit.”

Morrison nominated David Mirra as one of the stars of the trip in keeping his teammates amused and active throughout.

Assistant coach Sam Mitchell talks tactics and trails with young Hawks.

“David didn’t shut up the whole time,” Morrison laughed. “It’s funny, when everyone else was silent, he was still yapping. That was pretty good for the group.

“And he was an animal on the hills.”

Morrison said Clarkson had been so important for him, not just in the pre-season, but throughout his time at the club.

“He’s been big for my development,” Morrison said. “He has put a lot of one-on-one into me this year, with my kicking and other things that people wouldn’t even know about.

“He has shown a lot of faith in me, especially in the middle of this year when I wasn’t playing great footy, and probably could have been dropped at times.

“But he stuck with me and I’m very thankful for that.”

Originally published as Hawks trip to Kokoda the most challenging of emerging star Harry Morrison’s sporting life