Hawks farewell another premiership star

Aug 15, 2017 - 5:00 PM Alastair Clarkson admits Hawthorn are heading into the AFL unknown next year without retiring premiership stars Luke Hodge and Josh Gibson.

But the four-time premiership coach has no doubt about the legacy that will be left by the decorated pair as he looks to launch the Hawks' next golden era.

Clarkson sat beside Gibson, a three-time premiership player, on Tuesday when he followed Hodge in announcing his retirement at the end of the season.

"They've been role models to these youngsters just by their actions and also mentoring them along the way," Clarkson said.

"We're all a little bit twitchy on what that will look like once they're not here ... but that void created will be an opportunity for someone else to step up.

"That's just the way that footy and life evolves.

"We don't like it sometimes but it's all got to come to an end.

"It's going to come to an end for us and me as a coach, but we move on as best we can."

The retirements come after the Hawks made the bold decision to trade out premiership stalwarts Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis at the end of last season.

Hawthorn are set to miss the finals for the first time since 2009 after winning grand finals in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

But Clarkson has already uncovered enough young talent to suggest that his club's time in the doldrums will be brief.

Gibson has been sidelined since round 12 with a groin injury, but was in with a chance of pushing for a 226th and final AFL game

But the two-time best and fairest winner declared he wouldn't want to deprive a younger player of an opportunity to advance his career.

"Gibbo has made a selfless and sacrificial decision here ... because he can nearly play," Clarkson said.

"But he's decided, and we have, that the best thing for us, right where our footy club's at, the future is about now.

"But we don't expect any different from him and we don't expect any different from Hodge.

"These guys were the leaders of our club and now it's Roughy and Isaac and Shielsy's turn.

"The game doesn't stop and we need to continue to evolve."

Source: AAP