At the end of 1995, Salmon moved to Hawthorn, where he played from 1995–2000, and revived his career winning the Best and Fairest in 96 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 season's 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'.