As part of its initial list adjustments this week, Hawthorn said goodbye to two players.
It has been announced that both Clay Tucker and Cooper Stephens will not be getting contracts for the 2025 campaign.
After being selected in the 2019 draft, Stephens played seven games for Geelong before joining the team during the 2022 trade period. Through the 2023 mid-season rookie draft, Tucker—a talented teenage ruck prospect—was acquired by Hawthorn.
Mark McKenzie, National Recruiting and List Manager at Hawthorn, acknowledged the contributions of both players.
“We would want to thank Cooper and Clay for their efforts with the Hawks in recent seasons,” McKenzie said. “These choices can be difficult for individuals impacted, even though they are typical at this time of year.
I wish Clay and Cooper the best of luck in all of their future pursuits on behalf of the entire club.