Doug Hawkins was officially elevated to legend status on Wednesday night’s Hall of Fame and the outspoken former player says he is humbled to be recognised.

“To be up here with the great Teddy Whitten Sr who was the best, there’s no doubt about that, there was only one Ted Whitten, we miss him, we miss him a hell of a lot,” Hawkins said.

“Charlie Sutton – if you cut Charlie his blood was red, white and blue was just a passionate Footscray Western Bulldogs.

“And the great John Schultz with five best and fairest [awards] and a Brownlow Medal, it speaks for itself.

“To be in that class I’m very humbled, as a snotty nosed kid from Braybrook to be in that bracket it is pretty good.”

Hawkins extended his thanks to more than just coaches and teammates in his address, crediting doctors, trainers, accountants and event boot studders for their commitment to making the Club the best possible.

Reminiscing on his time at the kennel, Hawkins said football is much more than a sport but rather an extended family and a lifelong association.

“It’s more than just going there on a Tuesday, Thursday night which we did,” he said.

“I’ve got guys now I can ring anytime and they will be at my back door in 10, 15, 20 minutes or however long it would take them to get to my place – they will be there.

“It’s just not about going out on a Saturday and kicking a footy around… It’s about sticking together and being mates – I’ve got some mates for life, forever.

“The Footscray Western Bulldogs gave me a chance and I thank the footy club for it, I love the footy club for it and they were a special part of my life.”