Sydney Swans ruckman Tom Hickey has announced that 2023 will be his last year in the AFL, with the 32-year-old set to retire at season’s end.
Hickey told teammates of his decision on Tuesday afternoon, after 13 years playing at the highest level.
The veteran will notch up his 150th game milestone this weekend when the Swans take on Melbourne, having previously played for Gold Coast, St Kilda and the West Coast Eagles.
Hickey was initially drafted under Queensland zone concessions to the Suns, finally landing in the Harbour City at the beginning of the 2021 season, going on to play 47 games so far in the red and white.
Hickey was the first AFL player to play for four different clubs based in four different states.
“I’m so grateful to have been on this incredible journey,” said Hickey.
“When I first got drafted, I saw myself playing four years and trying to get one game. Here I am leaving 13 years later with almost 150 games, and hopefully a few more, under my belt.
“People talk about the great culture of the Swans, and every part of it rings true. This is a really special club filled with great people across all the departments.
“I love that I will be finishing up my career as a Swan, my family will be a Swans family for life.”
Sydney Swans Executive General Manager of Football, Charlie Gardiner, described “Hick” as the ultimate team player.
“Tom has been a wonderful addition to the football club since arriving here in Sydney at the start of 2021. He has played some excellent football and has been a key contributor to the team’s on-field performance over three seasons, regularly matching it with the best ruckman in the game,” Gardiner said.
“Tom has had a unique football journey that has taken him all over the country. To be on the brink of 150 AFL games and playing some of his best football in the later stages of his career, is testament to his resilience and hard work.
“He’s a terrific person, a highly valued teammate and just a great club man. It has been an absolute pleasure having Tom, Chloe and his three children a part of our club during what has been an eventful couple of seasons, and I know he will be doing everything in his power to finish off the year in the best possible way.”
In retirement Hickey will take up a role with Sydney Swans partner, ARA Group, which provides essential services for buildings and infrastructure.
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