HAWTHORN-Monash University Cricket Club wants to smash its debts for a six at a gala fund-raising evening in January.

The Hawks will hold a Debt Demolition Gala Evening at the Novotel on January 18 to help pay off an operating loss of more than $140,000.

The event will feature a talk by Test player Bob Cowper, the first Australian to score a triple century in a test in Australia.

Hawks president Petar Ivetic said the club had begun to turn around its position after the record operating loss was announced in July.

"When the new team took over, morale was low, player numbers were low, the future of the club was very uncertain and no one was expecting to win any first XI games.

"Now we have 56 players and have paid our debt repayments on time and won two games. We also have the full support of Monash University and Cricket Victoria." The Hawks hope to have all their debts paid off within three years, he said.

Ivetic also confirmed a partnership between the Hawks and Hawthorn Football Club.

HFC has offered the use of its facilities to the cricket club and donated signed merchandise to be auctioned off.

Other items to be auctioned include seven days at a three-bedroom apartment in Noosa, two nights at the Alpine Ski Lodge and Good Guys products.

The event will be hosted by Peter Lazer and comedian Des Dowling.

Tickets cost $110 and include a three-course meal with beer, wine and soft drinks. Details: www.thefightinghawk.com or 0419385366.