Staff Writers
MORWELL-export Harry Pepper has been delisted by Hawthorn.
Pepper was one of five players to be informed they would not be offered contracts for the 2022 season.
The Hawks selected Pepper in the 2019 rookie draft as a Category B rookie selection via the Next Generation Academy.
He did not make a senior appearance in the brown and gold.
Keegan Brooksby, James Cousins, Damon Greaves and Michael Hartley were also given their marching orders.
Hawthorn general manager of football Rob McCartney thanked each of the players for their contribution during their time at the club.
“This is always a tough time of year. Each and every one of these men have made a significant contribution to our club,” he said.
“The past two years have been particularly challenging for all of the players and clubs across the league. The commitment of these players during that time is something that should absolutely be commended.
“We wish them all the best on whatever they do with the next stage of their careers and lives – they will always be part of the broader Hawthorn family.”
These departures bring the total number of players leaving the club after season 2021 to eight.
This includes Jonathon Patton and Tom Scully who departed the club throughout the season as well as Shaun Burgoyne who called time on his decorated career after 407 games – the third most in the history of the AFL.
Pepper was part of the Lowanna College Sports Excellence Program class of 2019 that ended with four players drafted to the AFL in Brock Smith (Brisbane Lions), Leo Connolly (St Kilda), Sam Flanders (Gold Coast) and Pepper.
