HAWTHORN Football Club can confirm unrestricted free agent Matt Suckling has agreed to terms with Western Bulldogs Football Club and will leave the Hawks under free agency rules.

Speaking at the club’s Peter Crimmins Medal on Saturday evening, Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson announced the news to the Hawthorn faithful and thanked the 27 year old for his time at the club.

“Matt has made a valuable contribution during his nine years at Hawthorn Football Club and he can be very proud of his achievements, departing as a dual premiership player,” Clarkson said.

“He is very popular member amongst players and coaches and we wish him well for the future,” he said. 

Suckling was drafted as a rookie by Hawthorn in 2007 at selection No.22, elevated to the senior list in 2009 and debuted Round 1, 2009.

The damaging left footer struggled with injury in the early part of his career before earning a regular place in the team in the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Suckling missed the club’s premiership in 2013 having ruptured his ACL in a pre-season game, but returned to the side to play an important role in the 2014 and 2015 premierships.

Starting as sub for the 2015 grand final, Suckling replaced David Hale in the third quarter and finished the day with eight disposals and one goal.