Every Hawthorn player rated including the club’s next wave of youngsters and top trade targets
After their worst year in more than a decade exactly how much gold remains at Hawthorn for master coach Alastair Clarkson to work with? We’ve looked at the form, contract status and future for every Hawk.
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Hawthorn is almost certain to shut down trade interest in Jack Gunston after the ace forward claimed his first best and fairest award for an excellent season.
Gunston polled votes in 15 of his 16 games to win the Peter Crimmins Medal on 102 votes ahead of Brownlow Medalist Tom Mitchell (96) and former Port game breaker Chad Wingard (73), in third.
Veteran Ben McEvoy was fourth, showing how much the club rated his efforts to switch into the backline, while last year’s winner, James Worpel finished fifth.
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Gunston, 29, remains contracted for two more seasons but the Magpies have made clear their interest in adding the triple premiership star to their forward stocks.
But the Hawks have no plans to trade-out the man who slotted 31 goals from 16 games and finished third in the Coleman Medal despite spending time in defence this year.
“To earn both an All-Australian nomination and third place in the Coleman medal in what was a disappointing season for our club, is testament to the character and talent of Jack,” coach Alastair Clarkson said.
Collingwood would have to offer a first-round draft pick or quality young player to have any chance of pulling off the bold move for Gunston.
The Hawks already have pick four in this year’s draft which is their earliest selection since they took Xavier Ellis in 2005.
Hawthorn won’t call it a rebuild, but Clarkson’s men are in a major transition phase. As Jeff Kennett said, it is time to play the kids.
How many A-Graders do they have left? How good are the youngsters? Who is primed to become the next skipper?
Jay Clark assesses every player on Hawthorn’s list after their worst year in a more than a decade to work out how much gold remains.
JAY CLARK’S ANALYSIS OF EVERY HAWK
Luke Breust Age: 29 Games: 13 Status: Signed to 2021
Only polled coaches’ votes in one game in what was a slightly leaner year by Breust’s high standards. Missed a month with a fractured jaw and still led the club for score assists (1.4 a game) and bagged 16 goals. He remains one of the league’s cleverest and cleanest small forwards and premiership contenders across the league will ask about him in trade time. But Hawks say he’s not available.
Shaun Burgoyne Age: 37 Games: 13 Status: Signed to 2021
Signed a one-year deal to play on next season, needing 11 more games to hit the magical 400-game mark. He’ll do plenty of coaching next year and although he’s not guaranteed selection, his football IQ and precise foot skills will keep him in the mix in his final year. Played his best game in Round 1 when he snagged three goals against Brisbane Lions. Can still put your house on him to hit a target.
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Jonathon Ceglar Age: 29 Games: 13 Status: Signed to 2022
Modest season. Signed a decent contract extension last year but might not have had the impact he would have liked. Averaged one contested mark and five hit-outs to advantage a game and slotted one major for the year. Hawks will look to add to their ruck stocks in coming seasons to find their next premiership big man.
James Cousins Age: 22 Games: 6 Status: Signed to 2021
His run and carry game is what the Hawks will need next season. Cousins uses the ball well and showed plenty when he got his chance in the back half of the season, averaging 20 possessions across six matches. He led the Hawks for inside 50s in the games he played with 4.8. Surprising his chance didn’t come earlier but there’s a spot there for him in 2021. They trust him with the footy.
Will Day Age: 19 Games: 11 Status: Signed to 2023
Wasn’t a lot of hype about Day before the draft but the Hawks’ recruiting manager Mark McKenzie found a beauty. The versatile playmaker shone across half back and through the midfield at times and has lovely skills. Typical Hawthorn player who makes good decisions and will be able to play everywhere in time. It is important Hawthorn nails its draft picks and the brown and gold hit the jackpot here.
James Frawley Age: 32 Games: 14 Status: Signed to 2020
Borderline call whether Frawley goes on next year. The premiership defender and captain Ben Stratton both found it tough at times on the last line of defence but the Hawks don’t have a heap of key defenders ready to take his place, especially following James Sicily’s season-ending knee injury. Been an excellent move to the Hawks where he has been a reliable team man.
Sam Frost Age: 27 Games: 16 Status: Signed to 2022
Had an underrated year in the back line after moving on from the Dees. Only polled coaches votes in two games but it was clear the Hawks wanted him to take the game on with his speed from defence. Will continue to play an important role without Sicily and Stratton in defence for the bulk of next year. Smart pick-up.
Conor Glass Age: 23 Games: 4 Status: Retired
Irishman has made the call to go back home after failing to cement a berth in 2020. Played 21 games including four this year.
Will Golds Rookie Age: 20 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2020
May not keep his spot after undergoing a knee reconstruction early in his second year at the club.
Damon Greaves Rookie Age: 20 Games: 3 Status: Signed to 2021
Another one who had to wait longer than expected to get a look-in, but showed real potential in his three late-season games. The hard-nut defender has an appetite for the contest and can be trusted to use the ball out of the back line. But the signs were there in the pre-season when he played well in an early intra-club game. Like him a lot and should be on SuperCoach radars.
Jack Gunston Age: 29 Games: 16 Status: Signed to 2022
Will be shocked if the Hawks entertain a trade for the gun veteran who has just been crowned Hawthorn’s best and fairest. Collingwood wants Gunston but the Magpies would have to offer a first-round pick or Jaidyn Stephenson for the Hawks to consider letting him go. Gunston had a brilliant year and would be favourite to win the club’s best and fairest. He led the Hawks’ goal kicking (31 majors from 16 games) and has a couple of good years left in him as a dangerous forward. Polled 19 coaches votes, the third-most at the club. Still an A-Grader.
Oliver Hanrahan Age: 22 Games: 7 Status: Signed to 2020
Crafty small forward can do some special things but is working on improving the consistency in his game. Booted three goals and averaged 10 possessions and one tackle across seven games. Hawks will keep the faith.
Blake Hardwick Age: 23 Games: 16 Status: Signed to 2021
No-nonsense defender came back from a torn pectoral muscle but couldn’t replicate last season when he finished fifth in the best and fairest. Managed 16 games and played with plenty of heart as usual, but the Hawthorn back line was under pressure all year. Will be a leader for the Hawks for a long time and will be better for a full pre-season in 2021.
Michael Hartley Age: 27 Games: 2 Status: Signed to 2021
Was brought over from the Bombers as back line insurance and could play a bigger role in 2021 without Stratton.
Ricky Henderson Age: 32 Games: 7 Status: Retired
Played seven games before a knee injury ended his career this year. Extraordinary effort to finish second in the best and fairest in 2019. Hawks picked the wingman up off the scrap heap after starting his career at Adelaide but it was clear his time was up this year. Great recruiting.
Daniel Howe Age: 24 Games 5 Status: Signed to 2020
Tagger didn’t get much of a chance this year to lock horns with some of the league’s premier ball winners because of a foot problem. The hard nut had surgery on his plantar fascia and averaged 10 possessions in his five late-season games. Plays with plenty of tenacity and the Hawks know they can count on him to roll the sleeves up.
Jarman Impey Age: 25 Games: 5 Status: Signed to 2023
Came back from a knee reconstruction and took time finding his feet in a new forward role. Snagged two goals and averaged 10 possessions but will look forward to a full pre-season where he can regain top fitness and mobility. Showed his importance finishing sixth in the 2019 best and fairest but spent the bulk of this year working back in the rehab group. Hopefully bounces back.
Emerson Jeka Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2020
Exciting forward has some brilliant athletic attributes but is still developing his game understanding and fitness. Keep an eye on him in the pre-season games next year. Hawks need some more marking targets to come on.
Changkouth Jiath Age: 21 Games: 5 Signed to 2020
He’s got some exciting athletic attributes but Jiath has plenty of work to do to develop his defensive game. It would deliver a big boost to the Hawks if they can turn the next generation academy prospect into a regular member. Showed a bit again this year and at 185cm Jiath plays above his height.
Harrison Jones Age: 21 Games: 1 Status: Signed to 2020
Midfielder has shown glimpses in the VFL side last year but broke through for only one game this season against Greater Western Sydney in Round 5. Had 11 possessions and three clearances.
Jacob Koschitzke Age: 20 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2020
Suffered a shoulder injury late in the pre-season which put a line through his year. Developing tall will be a handy addition if he can continue his development next year. Taken pick No. 52 in the 2018 draft but had shocking luck with hip and shoulder issues.
Mitch Lewis Age: 21 Games 8 Status: Signed to 2022
Was a disappointing year for the young spearhead who was unable to back-up his breakthrough 2019. Lewis underwent a late-season shoulder reconstruction last year and was behind the eight-ball from the start of this season in his new partnership with Jon Patton and Tim O’Brien. Slotted one goal from his first four matches and five in total for the year but to be fair, the cohesion between all the forwards was an issue throughout the season. Was left out of the side for the middle part of the season and worked hard to regain his spot late in the season.
Ben McEvoy Age: 31 Games: 16 Status: Signed to 2021
Did well in a new defensive role for the bulk of the season. It was a bold move from Alastair Clarkson but he dominated the airwaves to upset Richmond in Round 3 and battled manfully for the rest of the season. Played some ruck as well and will go around again next season. Hawks love him.
Tom Mitchell Age: 27 Games: 128 Status: Signed to 2023
Polled coaches’ votes in six games which was more than any other Hawk in 2020. It was a consistent season for the Brownlow Medal winner, averaging 25 possessions a game on the back of his comeback from a broken leg. The question is, can he get back to his absolute best? Mitchell racked up huge numbers in 2018 but the Hawks knew it would take him time for him to get anywhere near that form again. Hawthorn’s midfield didn’t hit the heights it would have wanted this year and has work to do to take more control of games from the engine room.
Dylan Moore Age: 21 Games: 3 Status: Signed to 2020
Broke through in his last game of the season where the small forward / midfielder had 25 possessions against Gold Coast. If he can continue that form into the summer and next season he can help take over Paul Puopolo’s spot. Pick No. 67 in the draft.
Josh Morris Age: 18 Games: 4 Status: Signed to 2021
Medium-sized forward broke through for four games and will continue to spend time building strength and fitness. Was dangerous as a marking target at under-18 level. Natural goal kicker. Still very young.
Finn Maginness Age: 19 Games: 19 Games: 1 Status: Signed to 2021
The Hawks made the father-son gem wait for his only opportunity in Round 17 against Western Bulldogs where he had 10 disposals and five tackles. The endurance machine was taken with pick No. 29 and will be groomed to follow in the footsteps of premiership hero Isaac Smith and Tom Scully. Will continue to work hard on his kicking skills to improve his delivery. Not quite there yet.
Harry Morrison Age: 21 Games: 11 Status: Signed to 2020
Lightly-framed outside midfielder racked up double-digit possessions in all of his 11 games this season. One of a bunch of young players the Hawks need to take the next step. Hawks happy with the way he has been building in recent years.
Isaac Smith Age: 31 Games: 10 Status: Signed to 2021
The Hawks are trying to keep Isaac Smith for another two seasons to round out a wonderful career in brown and gold. The Hawks have let go other premiership heroes in recent years but they’re keen to hold on to the veteran wingman. Had another decent year, including a 29-possession and one-goal game to knock off Richmond. Not done yet.
Ben Stratton Age: 31 Games: 14 Status: Retired
Hung up the boots after a tough year leading the Hawks from the last line of defence. Stratton might have been a reluctant leader in some ways, but he had a great career at the Hawks nullifying talls and smalls throughout their premiership heyday. Reliable and unflinching.
Conor Nash Age: 22 Games: 2 Signed to 2020
Athletic 197cm Irishman played only two games in an injury-interrupted year. Hawks tried to settle him forward. Faces an uncertain future.
Tim O’Brien Age: 26 Games: 16 Status: Signed to 2021
Spare parts tall spent time at both ends again this year and kicked 12 majors from 16 games. Showed some flair in the air and averaged one contested mark a game but didn’t take games by the scruff of the neck. Hawks need to improve their forward connection as the tall forward setup didn’t yield great results this year.
Jaeger O’Meara Age: 26 Games: 12 Status: Signed to 2023
Reliable midfielder had a blinder in Round 3 against Richmond and was solid throughout a challenging 2020 season. Led the Hawks for clearances (4.7) and was second for contested possessions (9), inside 50s (3.7) and disposals (21). Primed to become the club’s next captain after brushing aside his dreaded knee problems. Sets an impeccable example for teammates and has already made a long-term commitment.
Jonathon Patton Age: 27 Games: Status: Signed to 2022
Tough year for the No. 1 draft pick. Patton played only six games for three goals amid more frustrating hamstring and calf setbacks. He broke down on the bench after the last one, showing exactly how much he desperately wants the move to Hawthorn to work. In any case it was a cheap pick-up for the Hawks who gave up a future fourth-round pick for the goal kicker off three knee reconstructions. Hopefully has some luck.
Harry Pepper Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2020
Academy pick-up didn’t break through this season.
Paul Puopolo Age: 32 Games: 6 Status: Retired
Was a key pillar in one of the greatest premiership teams in recent history. Quick and tough, Puopolo helped form a lethal small forward combination alongside Cyril Rioli and Luke Breust. His impact dropped off in recent seasons but the South Australian wrecking ball took home three premiership medals over an outstanding 196-game career.
Ned Reeves Age: 21 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2020
Developing ruckman is building his body for the rigours of the top level. At 208cm, Reeves has good skills and mobility around the ground and continued his sharp improvement in the back half of the season. One to watch next year.
Jackson Ross Age: 21 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2020
Damaging forward was prolific at VFL level last year but couldn’t figure at senior level. Fighting to keep his spot.
Jack Scrimshaw Age: 22 Games: 13 Status: Signed to 2021
Looked at home helping direct traffic on a back flank and wing. Originally taken pick No. 7 by Gold Coast, the classy left-footer looks a cheap pick-up in exchange for a third-round selection. Filling the Grant Birchall void with his precise ball use. Has settled nicely.
Chad Wingard Age: 27 Games: 17 Status: Signed until 2022
Made an excellent start to the season as one of the AFL’s most damaging ball users in the forward half of the ground. He was electric at times, zooming around opponents, hitting up teammates and slotting goals from tight angles. It was one of the most polarising trade deals of recent years but there can be no doubt Wingard delivered for Hawthorn this year averaging 15 disposals and one goal a game. Working hard on eliminating the gap between best and worst form.
James Worpel Age: 21 Games: 15 Status: Signed until 2023
Midfield hard-nut had to adjust his role to accommodate the return of Tom Mitchell and had to sacrifice his own game at times, which flew under the radar. As such, he didn’t catch the eye as much as he did in his stunning best and fairest win in 2019, but still ranked first for average tackles (5.4), third for contested possessions (8.3) and fourth for disposals (19.1) and clearances (3.1). The Hawks have a gun for the next decade, and wouldn’t surprise if he pushed for the captaincy at some point. Tough as nails and will continue to work on the chemistry with Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara.
Tom Scully Age: 29 Games: 14 Status: Signed to 2022
Looked like he lost some confidence this year. Battled poor form throughout the season but managed to hold on to his spot, playing 14 games. If his ankle continues to hold up, Scully may return to some good form when AFL life returns to normal back in Melbourne next year. He arrived for a bargain fourth-round pick, and was dubbed the trade steal of the century, but it was a tough year for the No. 1 pick.
Liam Shiels Age: 29 Games: 16 Status: Signed to 2022
Midfield foot soldier is another who rival clubs will make inquiries about. Averaged the fifth-most possessions and fourth-most loose-ball gets at the club in another solid year but was down on his efficiency by foot at times. Been a reliable cog over his career and rated for his leadership. Doubt Alastair Clarkson would let him slip now.
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James Sicily Age: 25 Games: 11 Signed to 2022
Looked like the club’s best and most important player at times this season before going down with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The gun intercepting defender starts a lot of the Hawks’ offence from half back and then was swung forward late in the season. Uses the ball so well, too. Would be a strong contender for captain if he had not done his knee. Influential team member.
Matthew Walker Age: 20 Games: 0 Status: Signed until 2020
Second-year 188cm forward can take a good grab but did not get a look-in at AFL level.