What a sad blow, he was an enormous character, and we were so fortunate to have our inaugural premiership captain so closely affiliated with the club for so long. Vale
Sitting in the old grandstand every home game and watching Graham Arthur play is one of my great childhood memories. I still have his autograph in my autograph book. RIP Graham, thank you for the great memories.
Vale Graham Arthur, a legend of the Hawthorn Football Club.
I had the privilege of meeting him on a number of occasions, the first as a 15 year old when he was a guest at our junior footy club pie night. He was a humble and friendly man who was at ease mixing with kids or any member of the community. At the time he was club captain, three time club champion and regular selection in the Victorian team.
In later life, as a minor club sponsor I met him at club functions and found him to be an old fashioned sporting champion with no pretentiousness and a genuine interest in mixing with supporters.
Graham was a champion player who joined the club at a time when it was transitioning from an easybeat to the football powerhouse that was marked by our first premiership success in 1961.
He will be remembered by longtime supporters with enormous respect and affection.