AOC: By his own admission, Hawthorn hard man David Parkin does not make a habit of hugging or kissing other men.

But he made an exception for Harry Gordon.

Not that he had any choice.

Harry hugged just about everyone he knew and liked.

Every time he saw them.

The renowned Olympic historian, war correspondent, sports journalist, editor and author was remembered with great fondness at a memorial service at the MCG on Thursday.

The setting could hardly have been more appropriate.

Since his death on January 21 at the age of 89, much has been made of Gordon's 70-year association with the Olympic movement.

The second Olympics he covered was the 1956 Games in Melbourne, when the MCG hosted the golden exploits of Betty Cuthbert and Shirley Strickland.

Gordon was a young war correspondent in Korea when he was sent to his first Olympics in Helsinki in 1952.

Peerless middle distance runner Herb Elliott remembered another titan of Australian athletics, Marjorie Jackson, noting how Gordon "found the contrast between the killing fields of Korea and the Olympic village at Helsinki full of young athletes from all corners of the globe a life-changing experience".

He was on hand for every one of Australia's great Olympic triumphs since, including Cathy Freeman's unforgettable 400m victory in Sydney.

Freeman freely acknowledges she is a rare and reluctant public speaker.

But for Gordon on Thursday she did so gladly for a man she recalled as "such an incredible gentleman".

As MC Bruce McAvaney noted, Gordon was not a man who lived in the past. Far from it.

"Cathy meant as much to him as Herb," said McAvaney.

"London 2012 was just as interesting to Harry as Helsinki 1952.

"That's one of his gifts - he never lost his momentum."

Gordon's other great passion was AFL powerhouse Hawthorn, who were represented at the service by coaching and playing greats including Parkin, John Kennedy senior, Alastair Clarkson and Don Scott.

He was in the stands at the MCG - and at Waverley Park in 1991 - for all 12 of Hawthorn's premiership triumphs.

During his time as a multiple premiership-winning coach with Hawthorn and Carlton, Parkin often fought running battles with the media.

But not with Gordon.

With his guidance, Parkin figured he eventually became "half reasonable" at dealing with journalists.

"I admired him enormously for his clarity of vision, his memory of people and events, his passion and energy, his commitment to the cause and all done with genuine humility, honesty and integrity," said Parkin.

"He was one of the few warm, loving, sensitive mates I've known throughout my life.

"The only male I have always kissed and hugged on every meeting."

Then it was off to the Long Room for a few beers and anecdotes.

Just as Gordon would have wanted.

AWARD NAMES IN GORDON'S HONOUR

Harry Gordon, will be remembered with a new award named in his honour.

The Melbourne Press Club hopes to present The Harry Gordon Sports Journalist of the Year Award, recognising excellence in sports reporting, for the first time in 2016 according to CEO Mark Baker.

"This award will uphold the high standards of sports reporting and writing that Harry held dear," he said.

Harry Gordon's son, Michael said one of his father's greatest pleasures was nurturing other journalists and that the award would encourage others to aim high when writing about sport.

The Melbourne Press Club has begun looking for a national sponsor for the award.

AAP