Experienced forward Ben Dixon today announced he will retire from the Hawthorn Football Club.
Dixon cited the inability of his body to prepare well enough for senior football as the factor behind his decision to retire.
“Mentally I could have gone on (playing), but I have had a problem with my knee for the last 4-5 years and its getting to a point where I am unable to manage it as well as I would like,” Dixon said.
Highly respected Dixon, 30, has played 203 games and kicked 282 goals in an outstanding career spanning 12 years and this year entered the top ten career goal-kickers for the Club. Dixon was also awarded life membership of the Club in 2005.
Dixon spent most of his time playing half forward, where his courage, skill and strong marking were features of his game.
While Dixon is saddened the Hawks couldn’t go deeper into the finals he knows the Hawks have a promising future.
“The Club is heading in an exciting direction; I know I have had a lot of satisfaction over the last couple of years watching the young kids come through and being energised by their natural talents,” he said.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson congratulated Dixon on his outstanding career.
“Ben Dixon has been a wonderful servant of the Hawthorn Football Club, his commitment and dedication on and off the field has been outstanding.
“He has been a tremendous leader and mentor to our players, particularly the forwards and there are a number of quality traits our young players have learnt and will take from playing alongside ‘Dicko’,” Clarkson said.
Dixon paid tribute to the Hawthorn Football Club and the loyal support he has received from Hawthorn supporters.
“I really want to thank Hawthorn Football Club, it’s a great Club with great people and it’s been an honour to play my whole career at Hawthorn.
“Thank you to the members and supporters for the great support they have given me over a long period of time.”
Ben Dixon
Recruited from: Yarrawonga/Assumption College
Drafted: Pick 77 in 1994 AFL National Draft
AFL debut: 1997
Games: 203
Goals: 282
Player honours - Hawthorn: Encouragement award 1998, pre-season premiership side 1999, Aggressive act player 2001
Dixon cited the inability of his body to prepare well enough for senior football as the factor behind his decision to retire.
“Mentally I could have gone on (playing), but I have had a problem with my knee for the last 4-5 years and its getting to a point where I am unable to manage it as well as I would like,” Dixon said.
Highly respected Dixon, 30, has played 203 games and kicked 282 goals in an outstanding career spanning 12 years and this year entered the top ten career goal-kickers for the Club. Dixon was also awarded life membership of the Club in 2005.
Dixon spent most of his time playing half forward, where his courage, skill and strong marking were features of his game.
While Dixon is saddened the Hawks couldn’t go deeper into the finals he knows the Hawks have a promising future.
“The Club is heading in an exciting direction; I know I have had a lot of satisfaction over the last couple of years watching the young kids come through and being energised by their natural talents,” he said.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson congratulated Dixon on his outstanding career.
“Ben Dixon has been a wonderful servant of the Hawthorn Football Club, his commitment and dedication on and off the field has been outstanding.
“He has been a tremendous leader and mentor to our players, particularly the forwards and there are a number of quality traits our young players have learnt and will take from playing alongside ‘Dicko’,” Clarkson said.
Dixon paid tribute to the Hawthorn Football Club and the loyal support he has received from Hawthorn supporters.
“I really want to thank Hawthorn Football Club, it’s a great Club with great people and it’s been an honour to play my whole career at Hawthorn.
“Thank you to the members and supporters for the great support they have given me over a long period of time.”
Ben Dixon
Recruited from: Yarrawonga/Assumption College
Drafted: Pick 77 in 1994 AFL National Draft
AFL debut: 1997
Games: 203
Goals: 282
Player honours - Hawthorn: Encouragement award 1998, pre-season premiership side 1999, Aggressive act player 2001
