On Saturday night, Hawthorn Football Club will hold its 2013 best and fairest awards, the Peter Crimmins Medal.
hawthornfc.com.au takes a look at who might be in contention to win the Most Promising award, which was won by Luke Breust in 2012.
Jack Gunston
Gunston came of age during the final series, kicking 11 goals over the three matches, the most of any Hawthorn player. His form in the three biggest games of the year gave fans an insight into what they can expect from the 22 in the years to come, who has shown his versatility, given he also spent time on the wing this year. He kicked 36 goals in his second year at the Club – ranked third behind Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin. Having played just 56 games, he has a bright future ahead of him.
Bradley Hill
After losing Clinton Young via Free Agency last year, youngster Bradley Hill stepped up to fill the void on the wing and add some much-needed pace to the Hawthorn side. After played just five matches in his debut season, Hill played 24 of 25 games in 2013 and averaged 16.1 disposals and kicked 18 goals. He gathered 15 or more touches in 15 of the 24 games and was a valuable contributor during the finals series.
Isaac Smith
Smith finished his third season at the Club as one of the side’s most dangerous players, with his speed and line-breaking ability capable of slicing opposition teams apart. He was tagged in the Qualifying Final by gun Sydney midfielder Dan Hannebery, but ran him into the ground with his elite running capacity. Since Round 16, he averaged 21.36 disposals, kicked 10 goals and became a player many in the media identified as one of Hawthorn’s keys to winning the flag.
Paul Puopolo
Like Smith, Puopolo has become a key part of Hawthorn’s ability to achieve sustained success and ability to add pace to its line-up. Puopolo had his best season in 2013 since his debut year in 2010, averaging 17.1 disposals. But it wasn’t his ball-winning ability that won him fanfare, but rather his tenacity and determination to apply pressure to the opposition. On a number of occasions he left fans and media commentators in awe of his ability to reach repeat contests and focus on the little things to help his team.
Taylor Duryea
After spending three years on the list without a senior game, Duryea finally got his chance in 2013 and took it with both hands. His elite skills by hand and foot made him a valuable contributor for the Hawks in his 18 matches. He showed composure beyond his years by seamlessly slotting into the senior side after three seasons developing in the VFL. With the retirement of Brent Guerra, look for Duryea to be a key part of Hawthorn’s side in 2014 and beyond.
Shane Savage
Savage had a frustrating start to the year after being dropped for Round 6. He went back to the VFL and impressed with his attitude and elite level of performance over a number of weeks. He finally got back into the Hawthorn side in Round 13 and impressed as a half forward and goal kicking midfielder. He earned three Brownlow votes for his 30 disposals against the Saints and will be looking to take the next step in 2014.