Hawthorn Football Club today released Luke Surman from his playing contract after the 20-year-old rookie advised the club that he no longer has the passion to play AFL at the elite level.

Surman and the club have been in ongoing discussions about his future and although disappointed, Hawthorn GM – Football Operations Jason Burt said the club understood and accepted Surman’s decision.

“This has been a tough decision for Luke to make,” said Burt.

“He has applied himself well over the past 18 months and made some positive progress in terms of his football.

“However, after consultation with the club, Luke has decided that he would like to pursue other opportunities.

“Life as an AFL footballer requires a lot of sacrifice, and right at this point in time Luke has decided the passion for football is no longer there.

“We have worked closely with him to reach an outcome that has his best interests and wellbeing at heart.

“Luke is a great young man and we wish him all the best in the next phase of his life.”

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