Not just a hatstand

We've just got a new hatstand - and a new desk, so after over a year of working here, I have my own desk - and I saw Graham eyeing it thoughtfully.
"Do you like our new hatstand?" I ask him.
"I've got a hat in the car. I might bring it in and see if I can throw it on from here."
Hearing this Tony's face lights up. Tony loves any kind of game. Looking around for something hatlike to throw he finds a cardboard box.
"No, Tony, no. That's not a hat; it's a cardboard box. It won't work." Graham tells him.
Tony throws it anyway.
It doesn't work.
Graham sighs.