5 greatest players in Hawthorn Hawks history
The Hawthorn Hawks have been home to some of the most legendary players in AFL history. From forwards to the backlines, the Hawks' legacy is built on the back of these incredible talents.
In this list, we explore the five greatest Hawks of all time. These players have left an indelible mark on the club. Join us as we get into the stories of these incredible athletes who’ve donned the brown and gold honourably over the years.
Five greatest players in Hawthorn Hawks history
#5 Sam Mitchell (2002-2016)
Sam Mitchell, now the Senior Coach of the Hawthorn Football Club, has quite an outstanding playing portfolio although he had a pretty rough start for the first half of his debut season.
Drafted in 2001, Mitchell played 307 games for the Hawks in guernsey No. 28 (2002- 2003) and five (2004-2016). He played a pivotal role in all four premierships he featured in, including the iconic 2008 win and the three-peat victories from 2013 to 2015.
Mitchell's accolades include a Brownlow Medal (2012), three All-Australian selections (2011, 2013, 2015) and five Peter Crimmins (Hawthorn Best and Fairest) Medals (2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016). He has been inducted into both the AFL (2023) and Hawthorn (2024) Hall of Fame.
#4 Luke Hodge (2002-2017)
Recruited from the Geelong Falcons as Hawthorn’s No. 1 draft pick, Luke Hodge has had a legendary career, living up to expectations. He captained the Hawks to consecutive premierships from 2013 to 2015, apart from one premiership feature as a player in 2008, summing up to four overall flags.
Some of his notable honours and achievements include two Norm Smith Medals (2008, 2014), three-time All-Australian (2005, 2008, 2010), two Peter Crimmins Medals (2005, 2010) and AFLPA best captain award (2014). He kicked 193 goals and played 305 games as a half-back flanker and midfielder.
#3 Michael Tuck (1972-1991)
When you think of consistency in footy, Michael Tuck's name stands out. Playing an incredible 426 games from 1972 to 1991, he holds the club record for most games played.
Recruited from Berwick, he debuted in Round 8 of the 1972 and didn't hang up his boots until the 1991 Grand Final, which he fittingly finished with a premiership. Speaking of premierships, Tuck boasts seven (1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991) — an AFL record. As captain from 1986 to 1991, he led the Hawks to four flags.
Tuck was part of the formidable Hawthorn ruck combination alongside Scott and Matthews. Some of his accomplishments include Club Legend (2008), Hall of Fame Induction (2003), League State Captain (1984), State Representative 11, VFL/AFL Life Member (1986), AFL Hall of Fame Inductee (1996) and All-Australian (1979, 1983, 1990).
His legacy is set in stone (quite literally) by the Hawthorn, naming the old Red Brick Grandstand at Glenferrie Oval, The Michael Tuck Stand. The league also honoured his talent with the Michael Tuck Medal, awarded to the best player in the Preseason Cup.
#2 Jason Dunstall (1985-1998)
Arguably the best AFL player to hail from Queensland, Jason Dunstall was recruited from Coorparoo. His debut in 1985 marked the beginning of his illustrious journey.
Dunstall is the third-highest goal scorer in VFL/AFL history, with a staggering 1254 goals kicked in 269 games. As team captain from 1995 to 1998, he led the Hawks to four premierships and claimed the Coleman Medal three times.
The forward’s consistency didn’t only lie in his loyalty to the club throughout his career, but his goal-kicking as well. He was the club's leading goal-kicker for 12 seasons.
After retiring, Dunstall continued to shape the club’s future, serving as interim CEO and football director.
#1 Leigh Matthews (1969-1985)
Leigh Matthews is often hailed as the greatest player in Hawthorn Hawks history, and for good reason. Recruited from Chelsea, he debuted for Hawthorn in 1969 and would go on to kick an impressive 915 goals in 332 games.
Matthews captained the team from 1981 to 1985 and led them to four premierships. His accomplishments are numerous, including eight Best and Fairests (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982), a Coleman Medal (1975), six club leading goal kicker awards (1973, 1975, 1981-1984), AFLPA MVP (1982), earning three All-Australian honours (1972, 1982, 1983) and being named an AFL Legend in 1996.