New Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves has opened up about Ty Vickery’s recent retirement, saying he understands the decision.
Despite the announcement coming as a shock to many, Reeves said he “wasn’t surprised” by Vickery’s decision to end his 125-game career, after seeing what the 27-year-old was going through.
“I’ve known Ty privately as a friend of my family for a number of years, so it doesn’t surprise me because I know what Ty has been going through as a person,” Reeves told SEN on Friday morning.
“I know that he wasn’t enjoying playing in the VFL.
“I haven’t been involved in the discussions at Hawthorn over the past few weeks, that’s been handled by the football department, but it doesn’t surprise me because I understand where Ty was.”
Vickery is currently overseas, keeping a low profile in his first few days’ post-football, but Reeves confirms he is in good spirits.
“Ty and I have communicated since and I think he’s been moving ahead really well.
“He’s travelling the world with Arina, his wife, and the football club will move forward.”
Reeves also detailed the ramifications for the club, with Vickery’s name to remain on Hawthorn's senior list for the 2018 season, due to the nature of the free agency agreement.
“It’s an interesting one because of the free agency rules,” said Reeves.
“When Ty came to Hawthorn that was a two-year commitment, and there’s compensation picks [involved], so you have to honour those two years.
“He won’t be at the club, but [Ty’s money] will be counted in this year’s salary cap.”
