Brett Deledio, Tom Hawkins and Matthew Pavlich named in 2025 Carlton Draft

Tom Hawkins is set for at least two appearances in local and country footy this season. He opens up on returning to community level and what to expect.

Brett Deledio and Tom Hawkins are among the first recruits of this year's Carlton Draft campaign.

Tom Hawkins has played on the AFL’s biggest stage and won three premierships but his return to local footy might be him a little more nervous.

The recently retired Cats superstar has been unveiled as the headline recruit of this year’s Carlton Draft imitative which sends former AFL players back to community footy for a one-off appearance.

Joining Hawkins as one of the first three players unveiled is former Richmond and GWS star Brett Deledio and Fremantle hero Matthew Pavlich. This year’s intiative will see the campaign extended into NSW and WA for the first time.

“I have a great understanding of what country football and netball clubs mean to the area,” Hawkins said.

“I’ve always wanted to play a local game when I finish football, not necessarily a season. Certainly being able to go and help a community it’s fantastic.

“To hopefully bring some bigger crowds when we are running around is pretty exciting.”

“To hopefully bring some bigger crowds when we are running around is pretty exciting.”

Having not been training throughout the off-season, Hawkins said pre-season “effectively starts now”.

“I’m a little bit puffier than I was five months ago as you can probably tell,” he joked.

“Whether as a 36-year-old, turning 37, whether I could get through a whole season (of local footy) with my work commitments was something I probably just wasn’t interested in.

“I went for a run around the river on Monday for the first time after going overseas and I struggled through that.

“So much so, someone slid into my DMs and said they saw me hunched over taking in the big ones. There’s a bit of work to do but there’s nothing like a challenge.

“I’ve got six weeks, a bit of a short pre-season. Not as intense as what I’m used to.

“The feedback I’ve been getting from guys who have gone back and played country footy is you’ve got to do the work.”

Matthew Pavlich will pull on the boots for a WA club. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images.

Before Hawkins is involved in his Carlton Draft appearance midway through the year, he will pull on the boots for his junior club Finley.

The Cats will take on Deniliquin Rams in a huge Murray league clash on Good Friday.

“There is probably more unknown about going and representing Finley than there is the Carlton Draft,” he said.

“It’s a bit of a grudge match, lots of family from Deni, my wife (Emma) is from there.

“I’m really looking forward to the game.”

And if he wants to make an impact on games, Hawkins might follow the advice of former Geelong teammate Steve Johnson.

“I’ve leant on some advice from previous draftees, particularly Steve Johnson, he encouraged me not to be as selfless and to be more selfish,” he said.

“How much advice I’ve taken on board from Steve over the years but it’s a fair statement. I’m looking forward to playing, however the game works out it will be fun.”

Deledio said he is looking forward to his return to country footy, having played some games for Tongala, alongside brother Matt and brother-in-law Billy Barnes last season.

He’s also hoping to outperform good mate Dylan Buckley who took part in last year’s edition but has now been made the campaign’s recruiter.

“The best part for me is I’m getting back to country roots,” he said.

Entries are now open at the http://www.thecarltondraft.com.au and remain open until March 18.

A draft night where selections are confirmed will be held in late April.

Two further inclusions are set to be named in the coming weeks and they will be eligible to play for Victorian clubs.