Hawthorn would like to thank Dr Michael Makdissi for his service to the club since 2005, following his acceptance of the role as the AFL’s Chief Medical Officer.

Dr Makdissi will take over from Dr Peter Harcourt after 25 years of industry service.

He has wide-ranging experience across many sports and, in addition to his 15 years at Hawthorn and 10 years as part of the AFL Academy, Michael held medical positions for the Australian team at the Commonwealth Games (Delhi, Glasgow, Gold Coast) and the Olympic Games in 2012 (London).

Hawthorn Head of Football Rob McCartney congratulated Dr Makdissi on the appointment.

“This is a fantastic endorsement of the skills and qualities Michael brings to the sports medicine field," McCartney said. 

"Our players have been amazingly fortunate to have had Michael guiding medical decisions for our club over the past 17 years.

"The outcomes associated with the expertise and care he demonstrated on a daily basis will be his lasting legacy.

"We wish Michael all the best in this new role and thank him for his wonderful contribution to the Hawthorn Football Club."

Dr Makdissi will begin his new role from November 1 2021.

The club has already started a thorough process in order to find a replacement for Dr Makdissi.