Matthew Suckling was already a two-time premiership player with Hawthorn when he joined the Bulldogs as an unrestricted free-agent during the 2015 NAB AFL Trade Period.

A member of their 2014 and 2015 premiership sides (he missed 2013 with an ACL injury), the Hawks received a second-round draft pick (39) as compensation for losing Suckling.

Hawthorn eventually on-traded the draft pick to North Melbourne, who exchanged it with Brisbane, who took Rhys Mathieson in the 2015 draft.

VISIT THE BULLDOGS’ NAB TRADE AND DRAFT HUB, POWERED BY MERCEDES-BENZ VANS

Having played 50 games since arriving at the Dogs, Suckling has provided great drive from the half-back line, and is relied upon for his booming and accurate left boot.

After playing 17 games in his first season at the Kennel, he was one of a few unlucky injured Bulldogs to miss the 2016 Grand Final.

Suckling celebrated his 150th game in 2018 and was in career-best form, averaging 24.5 disposals and 5.5 marks, before he injured his achilles.

He signed a one-year contract extension in July. 

Top 10 Best Bulldog Arrivals so far:

No. 10 – Shane Biggs
No. 9 – Ben Hudson