In brief
AFL matches: 2
Average disposals per game: 17
Goals: 1
VFL matches: 19
Average disposals per game: 20.9
Goals: 5
Review
IT’S been a year of transition for first-year Hawk Jonathan O’Rourke.
The 21-year-old joined Hawthorn from GWS Giants in the 2014 Trade Period, in exchanged for pick 19.
He had played nine AFL matches in two seasons with the Giants, and this year was able to add two games to his career tally.
O’Rourke struggled to break into the three-peat premiers’ midfield, led by the likes of Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis.
His club debut came in Round 2 in a loss to Essendon, where he tallied 16 disposals, but he had to wait until Round 17 for a second opportunity.
O’Rourke impressed with 17 disposals and his maiden AFL goal against the Blues, displaying why the Hawks believe he will be an important player for the future.
Midway through the season, he said he was enjoying the challenge of learning the 'Hawthorn way'.
“For two years you’re kind of learning a different structure coming into the AFL, and then going to a new club you’ve got to get used to it again and start over,” O'Rourke said.
“Everyone here is very well drilled and has been doing it for a number of years, so I’ve just got to speed that time up to try to pick up on it.”
At VFL level, O’Rourke was a consistent contributor, averaging more than 20 disposals per match across his 19 games.
The versatile midfielder was named in Box Hill Hawks’ best players on six occasions as he developed both his inside and outside game.
Two of O’Rourke’s strongest performances were arguably in Round 8, against Port Melbourne, and in Round 12, against Frankston.
He found 24 disposals and chipped in with three goals against the Borough, before following up with a 31-possession effort against the Dolphins.
GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan says...
“Jono had a pretty consistent first season with Box Hill," Fagan said.
"The pleasing part was he played nearly all their games, which hasn’t been the case during his career to date.
"He had a lot of injuries at GWS, so for him to get through a full season of footy and play a couple of AFL games was pleasing.
"I think he’s set himself up to make a real challenge next year to push his way into our midfield.”
In the news
NEWS: Hawks the perfect fit for O’Rourke
VIDEO: O’Rourke ready for Hawks debut
NEWS: O’Rourke pushing for selection
NEWS: O’Rourke’s first win as a Hawk
VIDEO: Play Your Role – O’Rourke
