TRAGIC NEWS: The AFL world was rocked as Tom Hawkins joined Dustin Martin and revealed two shocking retirement announcements.

In less than an hour, Dustin Martin and Tom Hawkins both announced their retirements from the AFL, with Martin hanging up his boots right away and Hawkins scheduled to retire at the end of the current campaign. On Tuesday morning, Martin declared he was retiring from the game, putting an end to months of rumors and conjecture.

Rumours have been rife that the 33-year-old would join the Gold Coast Suns in 2025, but Martin announced on Tuesday that he’s done. Rather than play on until the end of the season, Martin is walking away effective immediately. He is one of the greatest players of the modern era, winning three premierships and three Norm Smith Medals with the Richmond Tigers, along with the Brownlow Medal in 2017.

He played 302 games and kicked 338 goals across a storied career, but has been restricted to just 13 appearances this year because of injuries. “It is hard to put into words what the Richmond Football Club means to me, I love this place so much,” Martin said in a statement released by the club.

“I will be forever grateful for the love and the support I have received from the people here. To my teammates, the brotherhood that we all share is what I value most as well as the bond with the staff and coaches… thank you to all of you.

“To my family and friends thank you for your unconditional love and support. To the Tiger Army, I have always felt so loved and supported throughout my career and for that I will be forever grateful. The memories that we have created together will live with me forever. Thank you.”

Tom Hawkins to retire from AFL at end of 2024 season

Less than an hour later, Hawkins announced he’ll hang up the boots at the end of 2024. The 36-year-old has been sidelined with a foot injury since round 15, but is still holding out hope of making a return and playing a role in Geelong’s premiership push.

Hawkins has played 359 games for the Cats, breaking great mate Joel Selwood’s games record in Geelong’s round-11 game against GWS in May. “Tom has been an incredible presence both on and off the field at Geelong for the past 18 years, with his ability to play consistently at an elite level, along with humility and care for his teammates, trademarks of his career,” Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie said.