Hawthorn leadership group member Tamara Luke has decided to hang up the boots following four seasons at the highest level.

The 35-year-old will play her 15th and final game against Geelong this Saturday, drawing to a close a memorable AFLW career with two teams in the Hawks and Saints.

Luke received her first opportunity at AFLW level in 2020 with St Kilda, following a successful stint with Hawthorn’s VFLW team across 2018 and 2019, where she claimed a premiership and captained the team in consecutive seasons.

After being delisted by the Saints following two seasons, the veteran ruck/forward was awarded an AFLW lifeline by the Hawks ahead of their inaugural season in 2022.

Luke’s leadership qualities were immediately recognised at AFLW level, voted in as a leadership group member during her time in brown and gold.

While her debut season with Hawthorn was cruelly cut short due to an ACL injury, Luke still made her presence felt around the club and was consequently awarded the AFLW Club Person of the Year in 2022. 

After working her way back to full fitness and playing a further six games in 2023, Luke told teammates on Thursday that this season would be her last.

“As a young netball player from the country, it has been a dream come true to play AFLW for two fantastic teams in St Kilda and Hawthorn,” Luke said.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported me in my journey, including teammates, coaches, staff, members and fans.” 

Hawthorn General Manager of Football Operations Max Bailey thanked Luke for her contribution to the club.

“Tam will forever be an inaugural Hawk and an inaugural leadership group member,” Bailey said.

“She has epitomised our club values during her time here, making her a much-loved teammate and role model.

“We thank her for her contribution to the brown and gold and wish her all the best for her next chapter.”