AFL star Tom Hawkins has revealed the private text he received from Dustin Martin after announcing his retirement from the sport.
Both Hawkins, 36, who plays for Geelong, and Richmond Tigers superstar Martin, 33, made their careers public on Tuesday.
Talking with StellarMartin said he would not soon forget the exchange with the Brownlow Medal-winning star.
“I texted him on Tuesday night just to congratulate him, like he did with me,” Tom revealed.
“It was a day I will probably never forget.”
Hawkins, who broke Geelong’s all-time games record with 359 this season, was full of praise for Martin.
“Dusty is going to leave a bigger legacy than mine, that’s for sure,” he said.
“He did it in the purest Dusty Martin style.”
AFL star Tom Hawkins has revealed the private text message he received from Dustin Martin after announcing his retirement from the sport.
Hawkins announced Tuesday that he will end his decorated 18-year career at the end of the 2024 season.
Hawkins spent his entire career at Geelong, where he won three titles and put together a formidable run of 11 consecutive honours as the club’s top scorer.
Hawkins said the reason for his retirement was to spend more time with his wife Emma and children Arabella, Primrose and Henry.
After announcing his retirement, Hawkins revealed that he might be forced to amputate his toe.
Sidelined by an injury to his left foot since June, Hawkins suffered a similar but unrelated injury in 2022, leading him to undergo surgery that shortened his toe by 8mm.
The injury returned in 2023 and specialists suggested amputation as an option.
He decided not to amputate the toe, but told the Herald Sun he might reconsider if the problem returns.
“There’s still a chance that if it turns on and bothers me, I might throw it away. It’s functional, but it’s probably at 40 percent,” he said.
‘Knock on wood, he’s still healthy, but there’s always the chance he might have to take something off.’
“I texted with (Dustin) on Tuesday night, just to congratulate him, like he did with me,” Tom revealed.
Meanwhile, Richmond Tigers superstar Martin has ended months of speculation over his playing future by announcing his retirement, effective immediately this week.
He enjoyed a stellar career, with 302 games, 338 goals, three championship titles and 15 seasons with the Richmond Tigers.
Known for his signature “don’t argue” defense, Martin announced his retirement in his usual low-key style, quietly on Tuesday morning, without a news conference or farewell game.
“It’s hard to put into words what Richmond Football Club means to me, I love this place so much,” Martin said in a club statement.
‘To my teammates, the brotherhood we all share is what I value most, as well as the bond with the staff and coaches… thank you all.
‘To my family and friends, thank you for your unconditional love and support.
“To the Tiger Army, I have always felt very loved and supported throughout my career and for that I will be eternally grateful. The memories we have created together will live with me forever. Thank you.”
Tom revealed this week that the reason for his retirement was to spend more time with his wife Emma and their children Arabella, Primrose and Henry.
