Well, possibly it was an error. Potentially not. It could be a better play since it demonstrates the pact that Hawthorn has with it's players:
- We play to win championships. We put every resource we can into the footy department. Including paying tax. Including building a world class training facility. Including the best fitness staff the world can find. Including a coaching development program that gets you the best coaches (as you can see from how consistently they are poached).
- Your commitment is to play your guts out and to share the money around. You must earn your position every week and accept less money than you can get from other clubs.
- Our commitment is that when you can no longer make the side we will facilitate your next career move, including helping you find a role in another team on a longer term than what we'll offer. You won't be alone, ala Lake, Hale, Suckers, Mitchell and Lewis.
And that's what it means for Hawthorn to be a destination club.