Emerging forward Calsher Dear has extended his contract with the Hawks until at least the end of 2026, but will be sidelined with a bone stress injury to start the new year.
After being drafted with Pick 56 in 2023, the 19-year-old burst onto the scene in his debut season, kicking 25 goals from 17 games in 2024.
His AFL journey began in Round 8 when his role model and triple premiership player Jack Gunston delivered Dear his debut news, with the youngster then going on to kick his first career goal against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
Dear was then recognised for his breakout campaign with an AFL Rising Star nomination in Round 23 after kicking three majors to go with 12 disposals and four marks in Hawthorn’s 63-point win over Richmond.
When it came to finals footy, the son of 1991 Norm Smith Medallist Paul Dear followed in his father’s footsteps, booting three goals from his 10 disposals in the Hawks’ memorable Elimination Final victory over the Western Bulldogs.
Hawthorn National List and Recruiting Manager Mark McKenzie was pleased to see Dear rewarded with a new deal.
“After drafting Calsher as an exciting prospect last year, we have been thrilled with his progress in the brown and gold to date,” McKenzie said.
“On the back of an impressive debut year where he managed 17 games, Calsher was able to showcase his potential as a developing key forward by booting 25 goals.
“At just 19 years, he continues to work closely with our coaches and mentors, like Jack Gunston, and we’re very excited about what’s to come for Calsher in this new deal and beyond.”
Dear's contract extension comes on the same day the club has shared the news that he currently has bone stress in his lower back.
Dear will undertake further scans in January to determine a timeline of his return to full training.
Hawthorn Head Doctor Liam West said Dear reported discomfort last week and a subsequent scan revealed the injury.
"Calsher has already begun an offloading period to enable his injury to heal," West said.
"Scans have indicated bone stress in his lower back. We will get more information from ongoing physical assessment and further scans, and this will determine an exact recovery timeline.
“Given Calsher’s age, we will ensure we are diligent and thorough throughout this rehab process.
"We will provide further updates in due course."
