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Jack Riewoldt and Tom Hawkins spark retirement talks after post-game moment

An iconic post-game moment between two legends has left footy fans pondering if their time in the game is coming to an end.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 12: Jack Riewoldt of the Tigers and Tom Hawkins of the Cats swap jumpers after the 2023 AFL Round 09 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 12, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 12: Jack Riewoldt of the Tigers and Tom Hawkins of the Cats swap jumpers after the 2023 AFL Round 09 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 12, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Tom Hawkins and Jack Riewoldt have inadvertently sparked retirement rumours after their post-game moment on Friday night.

The two star forwards met in the middle of the MCG and exchanged guernseys after Richmond’s upset win over Geelong.

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Hawkins and Riewoldt came together, signed their guernseys before posing for photos holding them at chest height.

The moment however left footy fans far and wide pondering if it was a sign their careers are coming to an end and if it would be the last time they share the field together.

Both players are out of contract at season’s end, leaving Melbourne great Garry Lyon to question if this was the end.

“The swapping of the jumpers was an interesting one” Lyon said on Fox Footy.

“They were here on AFL 360 together during the week, so maybe they hatched that plan during the week

“I was more interested in one of them is going to retire, if that’s the case.”

Two greats of the game. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Two greats of the game. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
A moment for the ages. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
A moment for the ages. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Richmond and Geelong forwards have enjoyed stellar careers in the AFL, combining for some staggering statistics.

Between them they’ve claimed six premierships, eight All-Australians, four Coleman Medals, three best and fairests while kicking 1529 goals from 670 games.

“Two Hall of Famers right there. They go straight in when they’re eligible,” Tigers legend Matthew Richardson said on Channel 7.

Luke Hodge added: “They’ve just been so durable and consistent players for such a long time.”

Is this the last time? (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Is this the last time? (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Hawkins led the charge in front of goal for the Cats with three goals, two of which came in the first quarter.

At the other end of the ground Riewoldt’s two goals came in the final quarter as Richmond flexed their muscles to record a 24-point victory.

The result snapped the Cats’ five-game winning streak and saw the Tigers secure back-to-back wins for the first time this year.

Geelong sit at 5-4 on the season after the opening nine rounds and for the time being are sitting sixth on the ladder.

Richmond move to 3-5 with the win lifting them into 12th place on the ladder after a lacklustre start to the year.

Originally published as Jack Riewoldt and Tom Hawkins spark retirement talks after post-game moment

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/afl/jack-riewoldt-and-tom-hawkins-spark-retirement-talks-after-postgame-moment/news-story/92c39cbe8af2e7bf019e216f1ec5af4d