Suckling to remain a Hawk
By James Matthey
Hawthorn defender Matt Suckling signalled his intent to be a one-club player yesterday when he signed a new contract that will keep him at the Hawks for a further two years.
The new deal is a welcome piece of good news for the Riverina product, who has endured a horror 2013 after suffering a season ending knee injury during the NAB Cup.
The 25-year old told the Hawthorn website that it was an easy decision to stay at the club that gave him an opportunity to realise his AFL dream after moving across from NSW in 2007.
“It’s very exciting, Hawthorn was the club to give me my opportunity when I was just a kid so I’m pretty excited to get a new contract, especially after the year I’ve had this year,” said Suckling.
“Ever since I’ve come to the club, I’ve wanted to stay here.
“This will take me to the end of my ninth year and hopefully I can play 10-plus years at this one club.
“It’s good to get that behind me and focus on my future.”
The exciting left-footer enhanced his reputation as one of the game’s premier defenders after a stellar 2012 campaign in which he was one of only three Hawks to play every game.
The East Wagga – Kooringal and Wagga Tigers junior joined Hawthorn after being selected at pick 22 in the 2007 Rookie Draft, and has gone on to play 54 games in the brown and gold.
With his immediate future settled, Suckling already has his mind firmly set on returning to the field bigger and better in 2014.
“I just want to be a better player than I was pre-injury.
“I’ve already started running so I see it as a bit of a head start on next year because I’ve already started that pre-season running and the feel of pre-season.
“I’ve got a few months head start and just working on a few things that come about to make me a better athlete, which will hopefully make me a better footballer.”
