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VETERAN midfielder Chance Bateman will retire at the conclusion of the Hawks' 2012 season.
VETERAN midfielder Chance Bateman will retire at the conclusion of the Hawks' 2012 season.
Bateman, 31, informed the playing group on Thursday afternoon of his decision not to play on in 2013.
The speedy midfielder was drafted to Hawthorn at No.48 in the 1999 National AFL Draft from Perth in Western Australia.
He was the third Indigenous player drafted to the Club behind Cyril Collard (1957-58; 13 senior games) and Willie Rioli (selection No.48 in the 1990 National AFL Draft; 0 games), and became the second Indigenous player to earn a berth in the senior team when he debuted in Round 3, 2000.
At the Club’s AGM in December 2010, Bateman was awarded Hawthorn Life Membership; the first Indigenous player to achieve the accolade.
The 31-year-old was a member of Hawthorn’s 2008 premiership team, and took out the Hawks’ Best Clubman award at its Peter Crimmins Medal event that year.
He also represented Australia in the International Rules series in 2006.
In announcing his intention to retire, Bateman acknowledged those who had played an important role in his time at the Club.
“I would like to thank all my coaches, the support staff, medical and physiotherapy staff and all those at the Club who made it easy and enjoyable to play footy,” Bateman said.
“I especially want to thank my teammates, who have been like family to me.
"They’re a great group of guys and I’m thankful for their friendship and support over the journey."
Addressing the players after the announcement, Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson said Bateman had been a pioneer for Indigenous players at Hawthorn Football Club.
“Chance Bateman will always have a special spot at our footy Club because he’s been a trailblazer for Indigenous players at Hawthorn,” Clarkson said.
“Not only has he forged a path for so many at our footy Club, but he’s also shown so many others the way.
"‘Changa’ had a huge influence on ‘Junior’ in Cyril’s first 12 months at the Club, and has also played a significant role in Buddy’s development, and the development of so many others.”
“Chance’s career has been built on hard work, professionalism and commitment and he has set a tremendous example for our younger players.”
“I’d like to congratulate Chance on an outstanding AFL career, and thank him for the significant contribution he has made to Hawthorn Football Club as a footballer, a person and a leader."
In his 13 years at the Club, Bateman has played 177 games, kicked 67 goals and is hoping to add to the tally before the curtains come down on his career at the end of the Hawks’ 2012 campaign.
