Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 12, 2024 6:44 pm GMT
Hawthorn Football Club has announced it will not be renewing contracts for midfielder Cooper Stephens and ruckman Clay Tucker, both of whom struggled to make their mark at the top level during their time with the team. These decisions come following a disappointing semi-final exit and signal the club’s moves to reshape its roster ahead of the 2025 season.
Departures from the Hawks
Hawthorn confirmed the delisting of both players as part of its roster management. Stephens joined the club in 2022 as part of a trade deal that sent Tom Mitchell to Collingwood and brought Ollie Henry to Geelong. Although he was a promising talent, he was unable to secure a spot in coach Sam Mitchell’s senior lineup, resulting in only two years at the club filled with challenges.
- Cooper Stephens:
– Joined Hawthorn from Geelong in 2022.
– Played seven AFL matches with the Cats.
– Limited to 32 appearances with the Box Hill Hawks in the Victorian Football League (VFL) due to injuries and form issues.
- Clay Tucker:
- Recruited via the 2023 mid-season rookie draft.
– Third overall pick from Eastern Ranges.
– Played 21 games for Box Hill, failing to break into AFL action.
Words from the Club
Mark McKenzie, Hawthorn’s list manager, expressed gratitude towards both players for their contributions to the team. “We’d like to thank Cooper and Clay for the contributions they have given to the Hawks in recent seasons,” McKenzie said. “While these sorts of decisions always take place at this time of the year, it can be a difficult time for those involved. On behalf of the entire club, I’d like to wish both Cooper and Clay the very best in their next chapters.”
This restructuring is part of a broader trend in the AFL as clubs look to revamp their rosters after the season’s conclusion. The decisions reflect the competitive nature of the league and the need for teams to continuously evaluate and enhance their lineups.
Looking Forward: New Faces on the Horizon
As Hawthorn looks ahead, it is also preparing for new additions. The club has its eyes set on bringing in free agent Josh Battle from St Kilda during the upcoming trade period. Additionally, West Coast defender Tom Barrass has requested a move to the Hawks, which could further bolster their squad.
Upcoming Changes
- New Arrivals:
- Josh Battle (St Kilda, Free Agent)
– Tom Barrass (West Coast Defender, requested trade)
These potential acquisitions demonstrate Hawthorn’s determination to enhance its performance in the 2025 season. The club’s management is actively working to create a balanced team that can compete at the highest levels.
Context of Hawthorn’s Transition
Hawthorn’s decision to delist Stephens and Tucker highlights a shift in strategy following their disappointing performance in the finals. After seasons of challenges, roster changes are aimed at refreshing the team with new talent and energy.
- Highlights of Players Delisted and Retired:
– Cooper Stephens: Midfielder, two years with Hawks.
– Clay Tucker: Ruckman, unable to debut for the senior side.
– Chad Wingard: Veteran, has announced his retirement.
Each of these exits signals an opportunity for the team to regroup and refocus its efforts in the upcoming season.
Players’ Development in VFL
For both Stephens and Tucker, their time with Box Hill was crucial for their development. It allowed them to gain consistent playing time, albeit at a lower level than the AFL. The following table summarizes their VFL performance during their time with the club:
| Player | VFL Games | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Cooper Stephens | 32 | 10 |
| Clay Tucker | 21 | 4 |
This table illustrates that while both players were active contributors in the VFL, they failed to transition successfully to the senior squad.
The Bigger Picture: AFL Delistings and Trades
Delistings like those of Stephens and Tucker are common in the AFL, particularly as clubs gear up for the trade period. It is a moment filled with uncertainty for many athletes, and teams must balance the desire for fresh talent while also respecting the careers of those they part ways with.
In recent seasons, the trend of player movements has influenced the strategies adopted by teams across the league. Clubs are focusing on younger talent, looking toward the draft and free agency to fill gaps within their rosters.
The Hawthorn Football Club is getting ready for a new season, and some players have been let go. This shows how tough it can be for athletes in professional sports. Even though Cooper Stephens and Clay Tucker are leaving the team, Hawthorn is looking forward to new opportunities. They hope to do better and achieve more success in the upcoming season.
