Former AFL star Paul Puopolo shows Hawthorn what they’re missing

Hawthorn premiership player Paul Puopolo retired two years ago but proved he’s still got it in a match on Saturday afternoon.

Former Hawthorn premiership star Paul Puopolo has proved he’s still got it after he took an absolute specky in the South Australian Football League (SANFL) on Saturday afternoon.

Puopolo was part of the Hawks’ recent premiership dynasty, playing in all three flags from 2013-15.

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He played 196 games for the brown and gold before retiring at the end of the 2020 season.

But Puopolo showed he still has plenty of spring in his step, taking a screamer for Norwood against Port Adelaide’s reserves team early in the fourth quarter of their SANFL clash.

The 33-year-old flew above a huge pack on the wing to cleanly pluck the ball out of the air, much to the delight of the crowd at Alberton.

@HawthornFC he’s still got it? 😉 https://t.co/Grc6G45pWg

— Daniel Ferraro (@danferrar0) July 10, 2021

Making Puopolo’s day even better was the fact that he also kicked a goal as Norwood managed to claim a 96 to 60 victory over Port Adelaide.

And unbelievably, it’s not the first time this year the livewire small forward has showed off his high-flying skills.

Paul Puopolo was known for his high-flying marks during his successful AFL career with Hawthorn. (AAP Image/Michael Dodge)

Playing against South Adelaide in May, the man known as “Poppy” leapt above a pack of defenders to take another screamer. He backed up his good work and finished it off with a goal.

Throughout his AFL career, Puopolo was known for his trademark ability to jump into packs and take marks over much taller opponents.

Poppy may have only been 173cm tall, though that didn't stop him standing on his opponent's heads!

Enjoy the high-flying Paul Puopolo 🙌 pic.twitter.com/cl8i0WJXhX

— AFL (@AFL) July 9, 2021

Hawthorn could have used Puopolo’s skill in the AFL on Saturday, as they slumped to a 62-point loss to Fremantle in Launceston.

The Hawks went into the match in solid form but only managed to kick six goals, leaving them in second last on the ladder.