Axed: Busselton’s Damon Greaves cut by Hawthorn despite playing seven games this year as Mitchell reign begins

Former Busselton Magpie Damon Greaves is a surprise casualty of the end of the Alistair Clarkson era at Hawthorn, cut from their list despite playing seven games this season. The defender was one of five players delisted by the club today, as it prepares for club legend and premiership captain Sam Mitchell to take over the top job. Former Essendon player Michael Hartley, James Cousins, Harrison Pepper and Keegan Brooksby were also informed they wouldn’t be offered a contract. Greaves played 10 games at the club, having managed three games in his debut season. He arrived at the club via the rookie draft in 2019, taken with pick 13. The 21-year-old made his debut in round 16 against St Kilda last season — playing the final three games of the Hawks’ COVID interrupted season. He was used mostly as a stop-gap under Clarkson this season, with three of his seven games coming will experienced defender Kyle Hartigan was suspended. He was forced to wait until round seven for his first game of this season and would be dropped four times by the end of the year. The Hawks look set to undertake an extensive rebuild under Mitchell, having not played finals since the 2018 season. Hawthorn’s general manager of football Rob McCartney said the five players, including Greaves, would be missed 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.” The club made no indication they intended to redraft Greaves as a rookie, but the former East Perth player will be able to renominate for the draft.