A weekend expedition with the Barrier Rangers canoeing at Avoca Station near Wentworth unearthed a chance meeting with a Hawthorn great - the Famous #7 of Ian Law.
77 years young, Law is in great shape and the "RIVER CHANGE" has done wonders for the Hawthorn superstar.
Law was recruited from Old Scotch and played 106 games between 1960 and 1969, booting 115 goals as a rover.
In just his 2nd year in the VFL (1961) he won the Hawks Best & Fairest and won a Premiership, and finished 3rd in the Brownlow. He won the Clubs Best & Fairest again in 1963 and 1964 and a Night Premiership in 1969.
Law was the Leigh Mathews of the 60's. Tough and aggressive Law once had the better of an altercation with feared Collingwood tough man Murray Weideman. After the game, whilst having drinks with the Umpires and the Magpies, Weideman was quick to shake his hand and whisper " Your day will come"! Such was footy in the 60's!
Law was fleetfooted, could kick on both legs and in the space of 100 games, was one of the most effective Hawks ever, to don the brown and gold at Glenferrie Oval.
Law pulled on the BIG V playing with the likes of Polly Farmer in the 60's. Law's sporting talents also saw him play State cricket. In retirement Law was a very successful pennant squash player and a fine rower!
Whilst still playing Law introduced the Club Magazine "Hawk Talk". It came about whilst he was injured. In those days the Club Secretary would come out on the ground at training and update the players on weekend activities - so if you weren't there you missed out! The Hawk Talk Newsletter is still published today.
Law was also heavily involved in the organisation of the first tour of Ireland to play Gaelic Football in 1968. He played in the 2 games before the Aussies went to play in New York.
Law's reputation at Hawthorn can best be summed up by the priceless Hawthorn guernsey on his " Embaressment Wall" at Avoca. Team of the Century #7 Ian Law. It's worth the trip alone for Hawks fans just to view the amazing photographic collection.
In 2000 Ian and Barbara Law left Melbourne and headed to Avoca Station for their "River Change" creating Avoca on Darling Hospitality.
The famous station once stretched all the way to Coombah 150 km to the North. Nowdays they care for just 40 hectare's and offer all types of accommodation from the elegance of the Homestead to the basic jackeroo and cook's cottages. 5 star they are not but would you want that, on this type of holiday. Somehow the spiderwebs look appropriate and the basic toilet and shower is 5 star if you're camping on the riverbank. Better still you can even share the grass with the family horses.
At your front door are the still waters of the Darling creek, just perfect for swimming, fishing and maybe a cold beer or three. You could even play tennis if you so desire.
Better still Ian and Barb love a drink and social chat, as the dogs play on the grass with the horses, chickens and whatever else wanders in (kangaroos, echidna's, rabbits and rarely the odd friendly snake).
Ian will also take you around the property and give you a history lesson on how the working station operated 140 years ago.
Sitting around the campfire is just perfect for a family & friends camping holiday or maybe another bonding weekend for the Shinglebacks?
So for all the Hawk fans in Broken Hill and surrounding areas this is the chance of a lifetime to have a beer with Ian Law the famous Hawthorn #7 of the 60's.
Ian won't brag but rest assured a very proud Barb will on his behalf!
The Barrier Rangers had a fantastic 2 night stay and I would highly recommend it - even a Collingwood fan is welcome
http://visitwentworth.com.au/business/avoca-station-heritage-tour-and-hospitality/
Last Modified on 14/03/2016 21:21