Two-time premiership Hawk Matt Suckling joins Western Bulldogs

Matt Suckling has agreed to join the Western Bulldogs on a three-year deal as an unrestricted free agent after playing in Hawthorn’s last two premierships.

As an unrestricted free agent, Suckling’s move will be processed immediately once the offer is formally lodged.

The move was announced by Hawthorn’s senior coach Alastair Clarkson at the Hawks best and fairest night, the Peter Crimmins Medal, on Saturday evening.

“Matt has made a valuable contribution during his nine years at Hawthorn Football Club and he can be very proud of his achievements, departing as a dual premiership player.”

“He is very popular member amongst players and coaches and we wish him well for the future,” said Clarkson.

“This is a guy that has committed fully to his footy club and his journey. He hasn’t had it easy at any stage, but he’s played over 100 games for our club and he’s a two-time premiership player at our club.

“But more importantly, he was a terrific teammate to those who represent our footy club on game day, so thanks ‘Suckers’.”

Suckling, present at the award ceremony, took to the podium to give thanks to the players, coaches, and the club.

“This has been the toughest decision of my life,” Suckling said.

“I’ve spent a third of my life here, it’s all I know at the moment, so to make the decision today to walk away is something that growing up that doesn’t sit comfortably with me to turn my back on someone that’s given so much to me as this football club.

“So it’s with a heavy heart I’m going to leave, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life.”

He has played a total of 102 games for Hawthorn, including the 2014 and 2015 grand final wins, since being taken by the Hawks in the 2007 rookie draft.

He battled osteitis pubis in his first years at the club before making his debut in Round 1 of the 2009 season.

He played in the Hawks’ 2012 grand final loss to the Sydney Swans, before missing the 2013 grand final win over Fremantle after suffering an ACL injury in the pre-season that caused him to miss that entire year.

Suckling has struggled to be a consistent member of Hawthorn’s best side in 2015, being asked to start as the substitute on a number of occasions, including in the grand final.

An unrestricted free agent, he was reportedly targeted by Brisbane during the year, but the Lions’ interest cooled as it became apparent that recruiting him would likely negate any compensation they might receive for the expected departure of Matthew Leuenberger.

The Bulldogs – coached by former Hawthorn assistant Luke Beveridge – emerged as a suitor earlier this week.

“We welcome Matthew to the Bulldogs – his talent, experience and strong character will be a great addition to the club,” said Western Bulldogs Chief Executive David Stevenson.

“His decision to join the Western Bulldogs is a fantastic reflection on our club, our people and our future direction.”

Bulldogs List Manager Jason McCartney said “Matthew’s exciting and daring brand of football will really complement our style of play.”

The 2015 AFL grand final, in which the Hawks defeated the West Coast Eagles by 46 points, will be Suckling’s last game for Hawthorn.

In better contract news for the Hawks, Clarkson also announced that premiership player Ryan Schoenmakers had signed a two-year deal with the club, rejecting approaches from the Sydney Swans and Fremantle Dockers.

Schoenmakers played in his first premiership against the Eagles, after playing in the losing 2012 grand final and missing the 2013 and 2014 wins due to injury or form.

He had some interested parties at the trade table this time last year but was determined to stay at Hawthorn and earn his spot in the best side.

That paid off for him this year, and he has again remained loyal to the club with this two-year extension.

“We’re delighted that Ryan has re-committed to the club for at least the next two years,” said recruiting and list manager Graham Wright.

“His form over the 2015 season was ultra consistent and culminated in a fantastic finals series, helping the club secure its 13th flag and his first.”