Matthew Spangher Biography

Matt Spangher calls time on his 11-year career after 56 AFL games.

Spangher leaves the Hawks as a fan favourite after representing AFL clubs in three states and with a premiership to his name.

"[The] statistics in my career are not that impressive, but the premiership is something I can always hang on to," Spangher said.

Spangher won respect for his persistence and resilience after having sat on the sidelines during West Coast's 2006 flag, the Sydney Swans 2012 triumph and the Hawks 2013 win.

"Others got more kicks out of the story than me I think," Spangher said.

"I was pretty determined during my time in the Hawks to play in one."

Matt Spangher is one of seven players delisted by Hawthorn.

Jack Fitzpatrick also departs the club after one season while defender Angus Litherland and midfielder Zac Webster have also been cut from the primary list.

Rookie-listed players Lachlan Langford, Jermaine Miller-Lewis and Alex Woodward have also been released.

Matt Spangher is set to be sidelined for at least two months.

Making his AFL comeback from persistent calf troubles, Spangher damaged a hamstring tendon in the opening three minutes of the Hawks' win over the Brisbane Lions.

"Very disappointing for him. He played four senior games last year and in his comeback game he's done some significant damage to that hamstring tendon – it's a fairly high-grade injury," football manager Chris Fagan said.

"At this point in time, it looks like it's going to be an eight-to-10 week rehabilitation."

Will Schofield says watching close friend Matt Spangher win a premiership last season with Hawthorn has driven him to try achieve the same success this season with the Eagles.

"It was the first time I had the feeling of … I wouldn't call it jealousy, but I was envious of what he was doing," Schofield said.

"It was definitely a driving factor this year.

"It's obviously a dream to get there, but that was a good moment for me to say, 'Well, this is what you're here for, that's what footy is for, to get to the pinnacle'."

Matt Spangher says he has not giving up hope of breaking back into Hawks side in time for the finals.

"I'm hoping I do get in there but sometimes it's tough ... I can't really worry too much about selection, fortunately I had a few minutes in the VFL last week and I'll more than likely play there again this week," Spangher said.

"I wouldn't be far off [full fitness]. If they needed me, I feel like I could play this week.

"Fortunately the list is in a real healthy shape, so maybe it's not in dire straits at this point."

Matt Spangher's fears he might suffer more Grand Final heartbreak were quickly laid to rest by a phone call from Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

Three times during his career the 195cm defender has watched from the sidelines as his teammates at West Coast (2006), the Sydney Swans (2012) and Hawthorn (2013) achieved the ultimate success.

After an up-and-down performance in the Hawks' nail-biting three-point preliminary final win over Port Adelaide, Spangher could have been forgiven for entertaining some creeping doubts about keeping his spot.

But Clarkson dispelled any worries the 27-year-old Hawk had early in Grand Final week.

"He gave me a call Monday and didn't officially say 'You're in', but the nature of the conversation probably was a good indication that I was playing," Spangher said.

"It was nice; it was relief more than anything. It gave me the opportunity to enjoy the week for what it was."

Matt Spangher signs a two-year contract extension with the Hawks, tying him to the club until the end of 2016.

Spangher has played 13 games this year and is in line to finally reach the 50-game milestone in next weekend's preliminary final.

It has taken him nearly nine seasons on AFL lists – including five at West Coast and two at the Sydney Swans - to get there.

"I suppose I'm lucky – I look at it that way," Spangher said.

"I know many blokes who are good footballers that I've come through with who haven't been given the same opportunities to get their body right and things like that.

"So I suppose I'm pretty thankful to all the clubs, but especially now Hawthorn for giving me an extended opportunity."

Injury-plagued Hawthorn utility Matt Spangher knows he could be playing to keep his AFL career alive.

The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and the Hawks are yet to open talks about a new deal.

"I wish I could tell you more, but honestly I haven't had any negotiations at all or spoken about it," Spangher said.

"Obviously, I'd love to stick around; I suppose that's up to the club and the direction they see my career."

Hawks Liam Shiels and Matt Spangher will be out of action for a month.

"[Shiels] bravely played on in the second half of the game but didn't pull up well," Hawks football manager Chris Fagan.

"He's got a significant AC joint injury in his shoulder and he'll be missing for probably 3-4 weeks.

"[Spangher] hasn't pulled up all that well unfortunately … he's done some significant damage to some ligaments in his ankle.

"It's a bit of a blow for Matt because he was in some great form and he's had a battle with injuries in the past, it's another little stumbling block for him."

Hawthorn has added to its key defensive stocks, picking up Matt Spangher from the Sydney Swans.

The Hawks swapped NAB AFL Draft pick 66 for the defender and pick 72.

"For a long time we've admired Matt as a quality person, and we're confident he will fit in well with the culture of our club," Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said.

Swan Matt Spangher is racing the clock to be fit for round one after tearing his hamstring during an intra-club game.

New Swan, Matt Spangher is looking forward to the opportunity to cement his spot with Sydney's backline after a frustrating time with the Eagles.

"Nothing will come easy, I've got to fight for my spot just like everyone else," Spangher said.

"We've got some quality players and particularly some quality players coming back from injury, so if they get up I'll have to do well to hold my spot if I do start there."

The AFL has released the permission to train list with former Eagle Matt Spangher to train with the Hawks.

West Coast defender Matt Spangher has asked for a trade from his club.