Former first grade player Dean Basham has hung up his boots, his father Mick has retired from his coaching duties while Dean’s grandmother Nell has finished her 15 year role as the canteen supervisor.

The Bashams’ were farewelled on Saturday in what turned out to be the perfect send off when the Hawks defeated the Wauchope Blues 20-18 at Harry Elliot Oval.

Dean, who has played in excess of 230 first grade games, was only 10 years old when he started with the Hawks as a ball boy in 1991. 

Since then he has played with the Hawks every year bar two years when he moved south to play with the Newcastle Knights jersey flegg under 20s side. 

With a new business and young family, the 33-year-old says now is the right time to step away from the game. 

“I’m not getting any younger,” he said. 

“I’ve recently gone into partnership in a new business and I’m doing long hours so I’ve got less time for footy. 

“I’ve got twin daughters, Willa and Maya who are seven and they’ve just started playing netball. I’ve missed them play because of footy commitments so now it’s time for me to be the spectator.” 

The 2004 and 2001 premierships have been two standout games for Dean. He was man of the match in the 2004 grand final when the Hawks defeated Wingham 50-16 at Tuncurry. Another highlight match was the 2011 grand final win against Port Macquarie.

It seems rugby league is in the bloodline of the Bashams. Dean’s father Mick played 100 games with the Canterbury bulldogs in the 1970s and later moved north to Forster where he started as the Hawks under 16s coach in 1992.

From that day forth he stayed loyal to the Hawks, coaching the under 18s and first grade sides before being named club president in 2003 until 2004. 

His last role with the club was coaching first grade. 

Like his son, the veteran coach feels it’s time to have an overdue rest. 

“As far as football goes I think you know in yourself when it’s time to walk away,” he said.

“I just want to have a little rest. I’ve got a set of golf clubs and a boat I’ve hardly used. I just think it’s time that the younger ones had a go.”

Mick says he has enjoyed many aspects of the game but a clear standout has been watching his son’s progression. 

“It’s the team aspect of it all that I enjoyed about the sport. When your half good at something you tend to enjoy it more,” he said. 

“But most of the time the highlights for me were watching my son play and just enjoying his journey.” 

Mick’s mother Nell Basham has dedicated 15 years of her life to the club’s canteen and her contributions have not gone unnoticed. She was presented with flowers on Saturday by club members and the trio were farewelled and congratulated.  

Nell’s husband Wal, who sadly passed away in February, was also a strong advocate of the Hawks and acted as the groundskeeper for the same period of time. 

“I probably could have kept going but I’m 84 now and I have to look after my health,” she said. 

 “I really enjoyed it and I made some great friends. 

“I’m still heartbroken over the loss of Wal. He used to be there volunteering as well and made sure all the grounds looked good. 

“He used to put his head around the corner when I was in the canteen and give me a little smile which always made my day better.

“I’d just like to thank anyone who ever helped me in the canteen and my family.” 

The Bashams would like to thank everyone involved in the Forster Tuncurry Hawks.