11 Facts About Peter Crimmins

Peter Crimmins was an Australian rules footballer who played for the Hawthorn Football Club in the Victorian Football League.

Peter Crimmins was educated at Assumption College and quickly gained attention of Victorian football scouts with his skilful and fearless style of play, on one occasion kicking ten goals roving for the school's senior team.

Peter Crimmins chose Hawthorn as his father was a policeman stationed at Hawthorn at the time.

The newspaper The Age said Peter Crimmins looked a little light but showed great courage.

At the completion of the 1974 VFL season, Peter Crimmins was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The premiership victory became known around Hawthorn and in the football community as 'Crimmo's Cup' in recognition of the inspiration Peter Crimmins provided to his team.

Peter Crimmins died just three days after the game, aged 28.

Peter Crimmins was survived by his wife and two sons.

The image of a stricken Peter Crimmins holding the premiership cup and surrounded by teammates is captured in Jamie Cooper's painting The Game That Made Australia, commissioned by the AFL in 2008 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the sport.

Once it became clear this would not happen, a decision was made by the family to return the jumper to circulation, with the family choosing the player who best exemplified Peter Crimmins to wear the number.

Peter Crimmins' jumper was hung in the boardroom at Glenferrie Oval until the club left in 2005.