The year of the Hawk – Salvos team wins footy premiership
The Salvo Hawks have won the 2026 Reclink Football League premiership, a fairytale finish to a season that, 12 months ago, seemed unlikely to happen.
This time last year, the Hawks had just three or four players engaged in the Victorian Australian Rules competition – but by the time the siren sounded on grand final day in September, around 30 players had come through its doors, and the club had a premiership cup to show for it.
“It was a season of growth. A lot of hard work went into building this group back up, and to finish with a win makes it extra special,” said James Maxwell, Salvo Hawks Coach.
The grand final was held at Richmond VFL Oval, with the Salvo Hawks defeating the Gippsland Wellway Panthers 80-40.
The Reclink Football League is an all-ability, open-gender Australian rules football competition run by Reclink Australia for people facing disadvantage, mental health challenges, or social isolation.
It features teams across Victoria, including the Geelong PowerCats, Collingwood Magpies Community Team, Ballarat Bushrangers, Southern Peninsula Swans, Cohealth Kangaroos, Monash Demons, Sunbury Phoenix, Wynbay Tigers, Wellway Panthers and Salvo Hawks.
Fortnightly games feature modified, inclusive rules, sometimes including coloured vests that prevent tackling or contact.
James (Hawks coach) works for The Salvation Army as a Reclink Recreation Worker under the banner of the Homelessness East Metro portfolio.
“The Salvo Hawks give people living with disability, experiencing homelessness or in AOD recovery a footy team to belong to,” James said.
“The Hawks operate as a Salvo team in partnership with Reclink. But 12 months ago, low numbers had the program’s future in doubt. This season, strong support from The Salvation Army Eastern Bridge Program helped turn that around, giving the us a solid base heading into the season.”
It was the 27th season of the Reclink competition and the SalvoHawks’ first premiership since 2019. They also won in 2016.
The grand final
Played in front of a large crowd, under blue skies and not a breath of wind, the scene was set for a strong display of football.
The Hawks won the toss and elected to kick to the traditional scoring end. The first quarter opened as a tussle, with the scores at 18-12 in the Salvos’ favour. By quarter’s end, the Hawks had kicked away, finishing the term 36-12.
The second quarter saw the Hawks push the lead past six goals, with the work done at centre clearance, as Jayden and Matty got the ball forward as much as possible.
By the last change, it looked done and dusted, with the Hawks having stretched the margin past nine goals and the premiership cup all but theirs. In the final term, positions were shuffled, giving players the chance to try different roles, get more involved and kick a few goals of their own, all with big smiles on their faces. In the end, the Hawks won by a clear margin of 40 points.
“The premiership is only part of the story,” James said. “The Hawks also welcomed participants from a wide range of backgrounds this season, making sure the group stayed warm, welcoming and open to any player, regardless of skill level.
“For the group, the highlight of the season hasn’t been the scoreboard; it’s been the chance to bring people from all walks of life together, and to build hope, purpose and a sense of connection along the way.
“For many, the Reclink program has become a springboard toward building a fulfilling life off the field as well as on it.”
James said the Salvo Hawks will continue to offer sporting opportunities over the summer, before returning for the 2027 football season.
If you have participants who’d be interested in joining a free sporting program, reach out to James Maxwell at james.maxwell@salvationarmy.org.au for more information.
