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 message 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, ended their careers on Tuesday.

Speaking with StellarMartin said he would not soon forget the conversation with the Brownlow Medal-winning star.

“I texted him on Tuesday night to congratulate him, just like he did to me,” Tom revealed.

“It was a day I will probably never forget.”

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

“Dusty, he certainly leaves a greater legacy than I did,” he said.

“He did it in true Dusty Martin style.”

Hawkins announced on Tuesday that he will end his successful career after 18 years, at the end of the 2024 season.

Hawkins played his entire career at Geelong, winning the Premier League three times and an impressive run of 11 consecutive club top scorer titles.

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

After Hawkins announced his retirement, he revealed that he may have to amputate his toe.

Hawkins has been sidelined since June with a left foot injury. In 2022, he suffered a similar but unrelated injury that required surgery to shorten his toe by 8mm.

In 2023, the injury returned and specialists suggested amputation as an option.

He decided not to have his toe amputated, but told the Herald Sun he might consider it if the problem returned.

“There’s still the possibility that if it flares up and irritates me, I can throw it off. It’s functional, but it’s probably operating at about 40 percent,” he said.

‘Knock on wood, it’s still healthy. But there’s always the possibility that it might have to come off.’

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

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

He enjoyed a glittering career, with 302 games, 338 goals, three championships and 15 seasons with the Richmond Tigers.

Martin, known for his trademark “no discussion” attitude, announced his retirement on Tuesday morning in his characteristically subdued manner: quietly, without a press conference or farewell match.

“It’s hard to put into words what Richmond Football Club means to me. I love this place so much,” Martin said in a statement released by the club.

“To my teammates, the brotherhood we all share is what I value most, as well as the bond with the staff and coaches… thank you all.

‘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 we have created together will stay with me forever. Thank you.”

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