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Hawthorn mourns death of AFL premiership winner Paul Dear at age 55

Paul Dear (left), pictured in 2019, was a Norm Smith medallist for the Hawks. (Getty Images: Michael Dodge)

Hawthorn has paid tribute to AFL premiership winner Paul Dear, who has died of cancer at the age of 55.

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.

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