Central Highlands: Beaufort boost in tough times courtesy of Carlton Draft

A recently retired AFL star is about to provide a boost to a country footy club in a region hit hard by bushfires and drought.

Tom Hawkins and other recently retired AFL stars taking part in the Carlton Draft series in coming weeks will provide a crucial fillip for country clubs in drought-stricken areas.

The former Geelong superstar will line-up for Beaufort on May 31 with the Central Highlands league club in a region hit hard by a lack of rain in the last two years.

Beaufort had the No. 1 pick in the “draft” and didn’t hesitate selecting Hawkins, who played in three flags for the Cats in a 359-match AFL career that ended last year.

On the field, Beaufort has won only three matches in the last three seasons, but off field the challenges have been even bigger.

Carlton Draft 2025 stars Brett Deledio, left, and Tom Hawkins. The Geelong champion will play for Beaufort and Deledio is heading interstate to play for Coleambally.

The devastating Bayindeen fires rolled into a crippling drought that continues to create major headaches for farmers and small businesses.

“This match is about more than footy,” Beaufort president Nick Franc said.

“It’s about coming together as a community.

“Tom Hawkins’ presence represents strength, unity, and a reminder that even in tough times, we can celebrate what makes our community special.”

Beaufort has one win this season, but lost to Newlyn by 100 points last Saturday.

The Crows have a bye this weekend before they roll in Hawkins to play against Hepburn, which is also sitting on only one victory this season.

Franc said the club was determined to rebuild on field with some important moves already made off field.

Tom Hawkins booted four goals for his original club Finley against Deniliquin on Good Friday. Picture: Alex Coppel.

It recently established a dedicated team made up of footballers and netballers who will be trained to provide wellbeing and mental health support.

“Fielding eight netball teams and five football teams, the club actively fosters a sense of belonging and wellness within the community,” Franc said.

Hawkins’ appearance for Beaufort will be his first since he played for his original club, Finley, on Good Friday when he booted four goals against old rivals, Deniliquin.

Meanwhile, Wickliffe-Lake Bolac is celebrating 150 years of footy at Lake Bolac on Saturday when it plays SMW Rovers.

It will be a rematch of Lake Bolac’s first home played in 1875.

The first match against Streatham was won by the visitors three goals to one.

original game consisted of two halves of 1 ½ hours each, with only the goals

Lake Bolac won its first premiership a century ago and won nine more before the merger with

Wickliffe in 1986.