Hawkins goes pick one to Central Highlands club in Carlton Draft

Beaufort Football Netball Club has secured a once-in-a-generation opportunity after selecting AFL great Tom Hawkins with the number one pick in the 2025 Carlton Draft.

The triple premiership forward will line up for a one-off appearance for Beaufort later this season, as part of the annual campaign designed to bring AFL legends to local clubs for a day of football, fundraising and community celebration.

Held at The Sporting Globe in Richmond, this year’s draft event featured five community clubs selecting past AFL stars for upcoming matches. It also marked the first time the Carlton Draft extended beyond Victoria.

Beaufort, representing the Central Highlands Football League, took top billing and made no hesitation in drafting one of the game’s modern greats.

“I’m hoping I can have a pretty good day out and kick a few goals,” Hawkins said.

“But more importantly, I want to get a win on the board for Beaufort and give back to the community that turns out.”

Beaufort club president Nic Frank said the selection would go down in club history.

“It is simply unbelievable to be involved in this campaign, let alone to end up with pick one and an AFL legend in Tom Hawkins,” Frank said.

“The smile he will put on the faces of our loyal supporters and the money it will generate behind the bar will be massive to set up our club for future success.”

Other selections included:

• Brett Deledio to Coleambally Football Netball Club, Farrer Football League (NSW)

• Travis Cloke to Heathmere Football Netball Club, South West District Football Netball League

• Matthew Pavlich to Beverley Football Club, Avon Football and Netball Association (WA)

• Will Schofield to Hill End and Grove Rovers Football Netball Club, Mid Gippsland Football Netball League

The Carlton Draft, supported by Carlton Dry, will begin matchdays in early June. Fixture details will be released in the coming weeks.

For more information on the campaign, visit the Carlton Draft official website.