Hawthorn 1961 premiership skipper and AFL Hall of Famer Graham Arthur dies aged 84

Hawthorn has paid tribute to inaugural premiership captain and Hawks great Graham Arthur after he passed away on Sunday.

Late Hawthorn great Graham Arthur.

Hawthorn is mourning the death of club legend and inaugural premiership captain Graham Arthur, aged 84.

Arthur was a pivotal member of the Hawks’ 1961 Grand Final triumph under the late John Kennedy snr, eventually playing 232 VFL/AFL matches and later coaching the club.

The star forward made his senior debut at age 18 and went on to win three Hawthorn best-and-fairests, become an official club Legend and also be named skipper of the Hawks’ team of the century.

He also represented Victoria 12 times and was part of the AFL’s original Hall of Fame intake in 1996.

Hawthorn greats Shane Crawford, Graham Arthur and Peter Knights in 2021.

Arthur’s brown and gold legacy extends off field, given he also worked in the club’s marketing department and social club after his playing and coaching commitments ended.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said he was “deeply saddened” to lose Arthur, who he described as a man of “immense character”.

“Graham was John Kennedy snr’s lead commando and the type of clubman who would inspire his teammates through example and trust,” Kennett said.

Arthur holds the 1961 premiership cup aloft, alongside Ted Whitten.

“All those who have been lucky enough to don the brown and gold in more recent years have benefited from the culture of success that Graham helped sew into Hawthorn’s fabric.

“Graham was a Hawthorn person through and through and he will always live on within our club.

“I extend the club’s and my condolences to Graham’s family at this difficult time.”

Arthur is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Camille, Marise, Suzanne, Elizabeth, Jenny and Carolyn.

Originally published as Hawthorn 1961 premiership skipper and AFL Hall of Famer Graham Arthur dies aged 84