At Saturday night's Peter Crimmins Medal the Hawks bid farewell to favourite son Brad Sewell who announced his retirement from the game.

Sewell played 200 career games for the Hawks in an illustrious career that included two premierships (2008, 2013) and a best and fairest (2007).

In an emotional speech that mirrored his emphasis on team and team-first attitude, Sewell paid tribute and said thanks to Hawthorn and the spirit and culture on which it is built and impacted his career and life.

But it is us who is indebted to you, Sewelly for the memories you have given us through your uncompromising style of play and genuine personality.

So it is to you we say thank and and good luck as we take a look back at that illustrious career.


Sewelly with a screamer! Circa 2005. And on the right he shows he always gets the footy out no matter how his opponent tries to stop him.


He sings the song with a very young looking Grant Birchall, Rick Ladson and Danny Jacobs.


He's kicked only 32 goals in his career, here he celebrates one in 2006.


He represented Victoria in the 2008 State Representative game at the MCG and in the same year, was one of Hawthorn's best with 27 disposals in the 2008 premiership win.


Sewelly wins his first premiership with best mates Luke Hodge and Brent Guerra.


This photo sums him up - always first to the ball and relishes the tough conditions.


A diligent trainer, Sewelly is the ultimate profressional on and off the field.


He's a big game player and saved one of his best ever performances for the 2012 Grand Final against Sydney with 33 disposals, 11 clearances and 11 tackles.


He's averaged 21.1 disposals and 4.5 tackles per game across his career.


Who will ever forget that desperation to dive across the boot of Travis Varcoe in the 2011 Preliminary Final to force his kick wide.


In 2013 he became a dual premiership player.


In 2012 injury struck, missing 13 games through injury.


But he fought back and earned himself a place in the Qualifying Final team that defeated Geelong.


The Qualifying Final would be his 200th career game and was given the honour by his skipper and close mate Luke Hodge of leading the team into battle.


He was a solid contributor in what would turn out to be his final game, picking up 14 disposals and laying six tackles before being subbed at at three-quarter time.


He was chaired off by two of his best mates and 2008 and 2013 premiership teammates Hodge and Grant Birchall after the win much to the delight of the Hawthorn crowd.


Although he missed out on selection for the Preliminary Final, he still played a key role in passing on advice to his teammates and providing encouragement.


Then he was part of the festivities of Grand Final week, including the Grand Final Parade with Birchall despite again missing out on selection.


Sewell bid a final and emotional farewell at the Peter Crimmins Medal, receiving two standing ovations from guests.