Hawthorn has secured the services of Gerard McCarthy with the number one pick in the Victorian Wheelchair Football League draft.

A product of the Kilsyth wheelchair basketball team, McCarthy boasts an impressive resume in wheelchair sport, having represented Victoria in wheelchair basketball on four occasions. 

The 25-year-old is also an avid, life-long Hawthorn fan, with a particular affinity for past and present Hawks defenders; namely Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Jack Scrimshaw and Blake Hardwick.

Take a look at the best five games between the Hawks and the Cats over the past four decades. 

GM - Foundation & Community Kerrie Brewer says the club is excited to welcome McCarthy into the Hawthorn family.

"Gerard is a very talented sportsman who we think will be a great addition to our team ahead of the 2021 season," Brewer said.

"He's been a Hawthorn fan his entire life and has always dreamt of playing in the brown and gold so we are ecstatic to be able to help make that dream come true.

"He is a man of great character who is very well-respected by all who come into contact with him so I have no doubt he will be a great clubman for us."

Outside of his sporting life, McCarthy works as a teacher's aide and has been a coach for Wheelchair Sports for Kids for the last four years.

Hawthorn’s Wheelchair Team is made possible thanks to the support of the club’s social inclusion partner, Afford. With over 65 years of experience, Afford are one of Australia’s longest serving disability service providers. To find out more, please click here.