Hawthorn has paid tribute to AFL premiership winner Paul Dear, who has died of cancer at the age of 55.
Key points:
- Dear was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020
- He played in the Hawks’ 1991 premiership team, claiming the Norm Smith Medal in the grand final
- Dear debuted for the Hawks in 1987 and played 123 matches for the club
Dear played a starring role for the Hawks in their 1991 grand final victory over West Coast at Waverley, winning the North Smith Medal.
He appeared in 123 matches for the club across a nine-year period after debuting in 1987.
Dear was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020.
The Hawks released a statement on Saturday, fondly remembering Dear’s effort in the 1991 grand final.
“Arguably his greatest moment in the brown and gold came on grand final day 1991, helping drag the Hawks to premiership glory,” the statement read.
“Facing a deficit at the first break, Paul inspired a stunning turnaround, gathering 26 disposals and booting two goals in a Norm Smith Medal-winning performance.”
Dear is survived by his wife Cherie and their four children.
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
