HAWTHORN rookie Luke Surman has quit the club after losing the passion to play at the top level.

Surman, who did not break through for a senior game after being drafted by the club at the end of 2015, will depart Waverley immediately after advising the Hawks of his decision.

The 20-year-old former basketballer has played as a key defender and had shown some ability with his contested marking. 

Hawks football manager Jason Burt said the Hawks had been in ongoing discussions with Surman about his future.
"This has been a tough decision for Luke to make," Burt said in a statement. 

"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."

Burt said the Hawks had worked with Surman to "reach an outcome that has his best interests and wellbeing at heart". 

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