Tom Hawkins reveals the private text message he received from Dustin Martin after announcing his retirement from AFL

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, blew the whistle on their careers on Tuesday.

Speaking to Stellar, Martin said he would not soon forget the exchange with the Brownlow Medal-winning star.

‘I shared texts with him on Tuesday night, just to congratulate him – as he did to me,’ Tom revealed. 

‘So it was a day I probably won’t ever forget.’

Hawkins, who broke Geelong’s all-time games record with 359 this season was full of praise for Martin.

‘Dusty, he is going to leave a bigger legacy than I am, that’s for sure,’ he said.

‘He has done it in true Dusty Martin style.’

Hawkins announced on Tuesday that he was calling time on his decorated 18-year career at the end of the 2024 season.

Spending his entire career at Geelong, Hawkins picked up three premierships and a formidable streak of 11 consecutive club-leading goalkicker honours.          

Hawkins said the reason for the retirement was to spend more time with wife Emma, and children Arabella, Primrose and Henry.

Following his retirement announcement, Hawkins revealed the he could be forced to amputate his toe.

Sidelined with 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, with specialists suggesting amputation as an option.

He decided against having his toe removed but told the Herald Sun he may reconsider if the problem returns. 

‘There is still the possibility that if it flares up and annoys me, I can lob it off. It is functional but it probably works at about 40 per cent,’ he said.

‘Touch wood it continues to be healthy. But there is always the possibility that is needs to come off.’

‘I shared texts with [Dustin] on Tuesday night, just to congratulate him – as he did to me,’ Tom revealed

Meanwhile, Richmond Tigers superstar Martin ended months of speculation about his playing future by announcing his retirement, effective immediately this week.

He enjoyed a stellar career, with 302 games, 338 goals as well as three premierships and 15 seasons with the Richmond Tigers. 

Renowned for his signature ‘don’t argue’ fend-off, Martin announced his retirement in his typical understated fashion—quietly on Tuesday morning, without a press conference or a farewell game.

‘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 club statement. 

‘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 revealed this week, the reason for the retirement was to spend more time with wife Emma, and children Arabella, Primrose and Henry