AFL 2022: The contract status of every Hawthorn player at the end of the 2022 season
With the retirement of Ben McEvoy, Hawthorn need a new skipper. So who are the candidates? See our analysis.
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One season in to Sam Mitchell’s tenure as Hawthorn coach and the club’s rebuild continues to take shape.
The Hawks have already farewelled two of their veterans with captain Ben McEvoy and triple premiership midfielder Liam Shiels announcing their retirements.
Another four players were delisted at the end of the season, but the future of several other veteran Hawks remains in the air amid ongoing trade speculation.
The Hawks locked away two key signatures at either end of the ground this year with key defender James Sicily and Mitch Lewis signing new long-term deals.
Here is the contract status of every Hawk as the club plans to take another step forward under Mitchell next year.
1. James Blanck
Age 21 | Games: 9 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
After being plucked from Box Hill with pick 20 in the 2022 mid-season draft, Blanck made an immediate impact in his first months at AFL level. Proving a promising defensive acquisition, Blanck got a call-up to make his debut in round 15 and went on to play nine senior games in the second half of the season.
2. Lachlan Bramble
Age: 24 | Games: 19 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
The young defender played nine senior games in 2022 before a back injury ended his year prematurely. It came after the start of his season was delayed due to a stress fracture in his foot. Has a year to run on his contract and will be hoping for a more consistent run at it next season.
3. Luke Breust
Age: 31 | Games: 260 | Status: Contracted until end of 2024
The veteran forward rejected overtures from rival clubs to recommit to the Hawks until the end of 2024. The triple premiership star locked in his future for another year, having already been contracted for next year. Breust was the Hawks’ leading goalscorer this season with 40 majors.
4. Tyler Brockman
Age: 19 | Games: 11 | Status: Out of contract
The young forward did not play a senior game in 2022 in an injury-hit year after dislocating his shoulder and requiring surgery early in the season.
5. Sam Butler
Age: 19 | Games: 9 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
A second-round draft selection for the Hawks in last year’s national draft, Butler made his AFL debut in round 9 and went on to play nine senior games for the season.
6. Jackson Callow
Age: 20 | Games: 3 | Status: Delisted
Picked up in last year’s mid-season rookie draft, the young forward has been delisted after three senior games this year.
7. Will Day
Age: 21 | Games: 33 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
After an injury-disrupted 2021 season when Day was restricted to just five games, the young defender bounced back to play 17 senior games this season.
8. Connor Downie |
Age: 20 | Games: 2 | Status: Delisted
Delisted by the Hawks after playing just two games in the past two years and no senior games in 2022.
9. Sam Frost
Age: 28 | Games: 141 | Status: Contracted until end of 2024
The key defender signed a contract extension with the Hawks for another two years in July to remain at the club until the end of 2024. Frost has proven himself to be one of the Hawks’ most consistent performers since joining the club from Melbourne in the 2019 trade period. The backman has been impacted by injury this season, sidelined since Round 13 after hurting the cartilage in his knee.
10. Denver Grainger-Barras
Age: 20 | Games: 21 | Status: Contracted until end 2024
The emerging defender recommitted to the club for another two years in the pre-season, with the club signing him until 2024. The No. 6 draft pick in 2020, Grainger-Barras, played five games in his debut season last year but has become a more permanent fixture in the Hawks’ defence, playing 16 games in 2022.
11. Jack Gunston
Age: 30 | Games: 225 | Status: Out of contract (unrestricted free agent)
The future of the three-time premiership Hawk and unrestricted free agent is up in the air. At 30, Gunston remains a key part of the Hawks’ attack and has kicked 32 goals this season. Gunston could be a handy acquisition pick-up for a team in the flag frame – with Brisbane making inquiries – but Hawks’ coach Sam Mitchell said he hoped Gunston would remain at the club.
12. Blake Hardwick
Age: 25 | Games: 124 | Status: Contracted until end 2024
Second in Hawthorn’s best-and-fairest last season, Hardwick played every game for the Hawks in 2022. The reliable defender has another two years to run on his contract.
13. Kyle Hartigan
Age: 30 | Games: 135 | Status: Delisted
The defender has not been offered a new contract after being restricted to just three senior games in 2022, either injured or in the VFL. The recruitment of James Blanck from Box Hill and the rise of top-10 draft pick Denver Grainger-Barras pushed him back in the backline order.
14. Daniel Howe
Age: 26 | Games: 96 | Status: Delisted
The midfielder has been delisted by the Hawks after 96 games across eight seasons, including nine in 2022.
15. Jarman Impey
Age: 27 | Games: 150 | Status: Contracted until end 2023
After suffering a season-ending ankle injury midway through last year, Impey returned in round four this season and played 16 games for the season before undergoing surgery on his ankle to remove a screw in his foot ahead of the final game of the season.
16. Emerson Jeka
Age: 20 | Games: 7 | Status: Out of contract
The young forward played just the three senior games this season, adding to his four in his debut season last year.
17. Changkuoth Jiath
Age: 23 | Games: 37 | Status: Contracted until end of 2024
The defender recommitted to the Hawks for another two years before the start of the season following a breakout year in 2021. Jiath continued his rise this season, exciting with his dash off halfback. Jiath’s season ended after Round 20 due to a wrist injury.
18. Jacob Koschitzke
Age: 22 | Games: 36 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
After a breakout campaign when he was named the Hawks’ best first year player last year in a 27-goal, 20-game season, the emerging forward didn’t make quite the same impact in 2022 with 16 senior appearances and 18 goals for the season. But he is set to be a valuable piece of a rebuilding Hawks’ forward-line.
19. Mitch Lewis
Age: 23 | Games: 51 | Status: Contracted until end of 2026
The rising key forward has committed his future to the Hawks, signing a four-year contract extension in June this year to tie him to the club until the end of 2026. His signature was a key one for the Hawks, especially with premiership stars Jack Gunston and Luke Breust entering the twilight of their careers. Taken at No. 76 in the draft, Lewis has enjoyed a breakout season, kicking 37 goals in 15 this year before a knee issue ended his season after Round 20.
20. Ned Long
Age: 19 | Games: 1 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
The young midfielder, who joined the Hawks in last year’s rookie draft, earned a senior debut in the final round of the home-and-away season.
21. Max Lynch
Age: 23 | Games: 10 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
The former Collingwood ruckman managed seven senior games in an injury-interrupted first year at the Hawks after suffering a couple of concussions. Would be hoping for a better run at it next season amid opportunity following the retirement of Ben McEvoy.
22. Connor Macdonald
Age: 19 | Games: 20 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
A second-round selection in last year’s national draft, the midfielder-forward made an impact in his first season in the AFL, playing 20 senior games and kicking nine goals.
23. Finn Maginness
Age: 21 | Games: 19 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
After playing just three games across his first two seasons, the father-son selection had a breakout season, playing 16 senior games, finding his niche as a tagger.
24. Ben McEvoy
Age: 33 | Games: 252 | Status: Retired
The Hawks’ skipper has announced the 2022 season will be his last after a career spanning 252 games at two clubs, including nine at the Hawks. The two-time premiership ruckman overcame major hurdles to get back this season after suffering a broken neck at training at the start of the season.
25. Seamus Mitchell
Age: 20 | Games: 0 | Status: Out of contract
A second-round selection in the 2020 national draft, the young forward is yet to play a game at senior level after a bad run with injuries.
26. Tom Mitchell
Age: 29 | Games: 171 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
The 2018 Brownlow medallist has found himself the subject of trade speculation again after it emerged the midfielder has been encouraged to explore his options in regards to joining a third club to help the Hawks land another early pick in a bid to fast-track their rebuild. As the Hawks look to the future, Mitchell faces the prospect of a reduced midfield role next year if he stays.
27. Dylan Moore
Age: 23 | Games: 52 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
After a breakout campaign in 2021, Moore backed up to play every game for the Hawks this season. The forward finished with 26 goals for the year – one short of his 2021 haul when he was equal-second in the club’s goalkicking.
28. Josh Morris
Age: 20 | Games: 15 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
In his third season at the Hawks, Morris forced his way into the senior team in round 13 and played six games before a shoulder injury ended his season in round 20. Faces an uncertain future.
29. Harry Morrison
Age: 23 | Games: 78 | Status: Contracted until end of 2024
Signed a new two-year deal after enjoying a career-best season at the Hawks, playing 21 games this year. He finished with an elite midfield ranking for marks (5.8) and was above average for kicks (13.3) and should land a new deal.
30. Conor Nash
Age: 24 | Games: 50 | Status: Contracted until end of 2024
The Irishman signed a two-year contract extension in June to tie him to the club until the end of 2024. After arriving at the Hawks as an international rookie five years ago, Nash has enjoyed his most consistent season to date this year, playing 20 games and showing his versatility with a move into the midfield.
31. Jai Newcombe
Age: 21 | Games: 29 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
Has proven to be a gem of a mid-season draft find after being plucked from VFL feeder Box Hill last year. The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the Hawks’ key midfielders, playing every game in his second season at the club this year. Won the AFL Coaches Association best young player award and will be a key member of the club’s midfield for the future.
32. Fionn O’Hara
Age: 20 | Games: 0 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
Joined the Hawks as an international Category B rookie last year, but did not make a senior appearance in 2022. Has a background in rugby union and Gaelic football.
33. Jaeger O’Meara
Age: 28 | Games: 143 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
Was mentioned in trade conversations last year and could find himself in the same situation again if there are suitors. Was moved out of the midfield at times this year to give others an opportunity. However, if he stays, will be among the captaincy candidates, having shared leadership duties with James Sicily during the season in the absence of the injured McEvoy.
34. Tom Phillips
Age: 26 | Games: 115 | Status: Delisted
Delisted after two seasons at the Hawks. After playing every game in his first season at Hawthorn last year, Phillips fell out of favour this season, making just four senior matches.
35. Max Ramsden
Age: 19 | Games: 0 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
The young ruck prospect joined the Hawks via the 2022 pre-season draft at pick number six. Standing at 202cm, he is yet to play a senior game.
36. Ned Reeves
Age: 23 | Games: 17 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
After playing five games in his debut season, the 209cm Reeves played 12 senior games in an injury-interrupted 2022. The son of the club’s chief executive, Reeves has emerged as the club’s frontline ruckman following the retirement of Ben McEvoy. A good tap ruckman but has shown signs he can go forward and kick a goal – kicking seven for the year – which all elite ruckmen must be able to do.
37. Jack Saunders
Age: 20 | Games: 1 | Status: Out of contract
A rookie draft selection last year (No. 4), Saunders made one appearance at senior level in 2022 in the final round against the Western Bulldogs, kicking one goal.
38. Jack Scrimshaw
Age: 23 | Games: 67 | Status: Contracted until end of 2024
Among several defenders to recommit this season, Scrimshaw signed a two-year contract extension at the start of the year to tie him to the club until 2024. Now in his fourth season at the Hawks, Scrimshaw has solidified his position in Hawthorn’s back six. Played 20 games and ranked above average for marks this year.
39. Jai Serong
Age: 19 | Games: 3 | Status: Signed to 2023
The younger brother of Fremantle midfielder Caleb, Serong, a fourth-round selection in last year’s national draft, got a call-up to make his AFL debut in round 21 and finished the season with three senior games to his name.
40. Liam Shiels
Age: 31 | Games: 255 Status: Retired
The three-time premiership Hawk had been linked to a possible move to the Kangaroos to reunite with former coach Alastair Clarkson, but called time on his career after 255 games and 14 seasons with the Hawks. Shiels spent time in the VFL this year, playing just the 13 senior games. Was a member of the Hawks’ 2013, 2014 and 2015 flag three-peat.
41. James Sicily
Age: 27 | Games: 115 | Status: Contracted until end of 2027
One of the key signings for the Hawks at the start of the season, Sicily penned a five-year deal in May, tying him to the club until the end of 2027. The star defender has made an impressive return to the game this season after missing the best part of 18 months out of the game due to an ACL injury. Considered a frontrunner to take over as the Hawks’ next captain following McEvoy’s retirement.
42. Josh Ward
Age: 18 | Games: 14 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
Had a disrupted debut season when he missed a chunk of football mid-season with lingering concussion symptoms, but still managed 14 matches in his first year at the club. Had a breakout 34-disposal game against West Coast in Round 18. The No. 7 draft pick will form a key part of the club’s midfield for the future.
43. Chad Wingard
Age: 29 | Games: 204 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
Still one of the dangerous small forwards in the competition, but consistency has become an issue. Endured an injury-disrupted 2022, only playing the 10 senior games this season and kicking 17 goals. The Hawks pulled the pin on his 2022 campaign in July after slow progress from a hamstring injury.
44. James Worpel
Age: 23 | Games: 79 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
The 2019 club champion endured a frustrating season, restricted to just 11 senior games. He was dropped from the team after round 9 and spent a month out of the side when he was sent back to Box Hill in the VFL to find form. Returned in round 15 with a 25-disposal performance, but his 2022 campaign came to an end the following match when he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
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