The top five Hawthorn Hawks players in team history

The Hawthorn Hawks have produced some of the most iconic players in AFL history, building a legacy on the talents of these remarkable athletes. Here, we examine the top five greatest players to ever wear the brown and gold.

5. Sam Mitchell (2002-2016)

Currently the Senior Coach of the Hawthorn Football Club, Sam Mitchell had an outstanding playing career despite a rough start in his debut season. Drafted in 2001, he played 307 games and was instrumental in four premierships, including the 2008 victory and the three-peat from 2013 to 2015. His accolades include a Brownlow Medal (2012), three All-Australian selections, and five Peter Crimmins Medals. He is inducted into both the AFL (2023) and Hawthorn (2024) Hall of Fame.

4. Luke Hodge (2002-2017)

Recruited as Hawthorn’s No. 1 draft pick, Luke Hodge has had a legendary career. He captained the Hawks to three consecutive premierships from 2013 to 2015, in addition to one as a player in 2008. Hodge’s honors include two Norm Smith Medals, three All-Australian selections, two Peter Crimmins Medals, and the AFLPA Best Captain award. He played 305 games and scored 193 goals as a half-back flanker and midfielder.

3. Michael Tuck (1972-1991)

Known for his consistency, Michael Tuck played a club-record 426 games. Recruited from Berwick, he debuted in 1972 and retired after the 1991 Grand Final, which he finished with a premiership. Tuck won seven premierships and captained the Hawks from 1986 to 1991, leading them to four flags. His numerous accolades include being a Club Legend, a Hall of Fame inductee, and having the Michael Tuck Medal named in his honor.

2 Jason Dunstall (1985-1998)

Jason Dunstall is one of the greatest AFL players from Queensland, debuting in 1985. He is the third-highest goal scorer in VFL/AFL history with 1254 goals in 269 games. As captain from 1995 to 1998, he led the Hawks to four premierships and won the Coleman Medal three times. Dunstall was the club’s leading goal-kicker for 12 seasons and continued to influence the club as interim CEO and football director after retiring.

1. Leigh Matthews (1969-1985)

Considered the greatest player in Hawthorn Hawks history, Leigh Matthews debuted in 1969 and scored 915 goals in 332 games. He captained the team from 1981 to 1985, leading them to four premierships. Matthews’ achievements include eight Best and Fairest awards, a Coleman Medal, six club leading goal-kicker awards, and three All-Australian honors. He was named an AFL Legend in 1996.