serious injuries to his Achilles tendon and groin in 1993 and 1994, respectively, and with the knowledge that his playing time was running out, he decided his time as a Bomber was over at 31 years of age, so he requested a new home and was subsequently traded to Hawthorn, the club whom he supported as a child. He was selected in Kevin Sheedy's best team of his 27 years as coach and at number 26 in the 'Champions of Essendon', which was a list of the best of the past century who wore the red and black, missing the top-25 cutoff by a single position. Salmon has been quoted saying that, while he has great respect for Sheedy, he felt at times he didn't get the best out of him, from perhaps lack of communication. However, he has also spoken in glowing terms about Sheedy being good for his career. In such situations such as in late 1985 when Salmon had recently come back from injury, and was out of form and playing in the reserves, Sheedy made a deal with him that, if he trained hard and if Essendon made the Grand Final, he would play him regardless of his form, a promise that was delivered by both parties. Hawthorn (1995–2000) At the end of 1994, Salmon moved to Hawthorn, where he played from 1995–2000, and revived his career by winning the Best and Fairest in 1996 and '97 as well as the Most Consistent Award in '98. He became vice-captain in '98 and also finished in the top ten in every best and fairest in each of his five years at the club. After 5 seasons and 100 games with the Hawks, he retired at the age of 35; and, after his retirement, he was named in Hawthorn's Team of the Century. In 1997, Salmon achieved All-Australian selection, being named in the ruck. In 1999, he won the Michael Tuck Medal for a best-on-ground performance in the winning Hawk's Night Grand Final. Essendon Comeback Salmon retired from playing football at the end of the 2000 season. He made a comeback in 2002, after being drafted by Essendon at 37 years of age. He played 15 games in 2002 before permanently retiring from AFL football. State of Origin Salmon had a prolific State of Origin career, kicking 45 goals in 14 games. He first played for Victoria in