In brief
AFL matches: 4
Average disposals per game: 12.7
VFL matches: 14
Average disposals per game: 18
Goals: 9
Review
BREAKING into the dual reigning premiers’ side as a first-year player is no easy feat.
That’s exactly what Daniel Howe achieved this year.
Recruited by the Hawks with pick 31 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, Howe made his senior debut in Round 9, against Gold Coast Suns, and played four senior games for the season.
A mobile defender with strong kicking skills, Howe made an immediate impact after starting as the substitute against the Suns, collecting 11 disposals (at 100 per cent efficiency) in less than a quarter of football.
The Yarrawonga product had to bide his time at VFL level for the majority of the season, before another opportunity, again as the substitute, in Round 20.
Howe missed Round 21, but was a late inclusion for the Hawks’ Round 22 win against Brisbane Lions and produced his best senior performance in the final round of the home-and-away season, against Carlton.
The 19-year-old finished with 21 disposals, nine marks and five tackles against the Blues, showing why the Hawks believe he can be a player for the future.
He’s now played four senior games for four wins.
Calm under pressure and a good decision maker, Howe was ranked number one at Hawthorn for disposal efficiency, with a percentage of 92.2.
He was named the Hawks’ Best First Year Player, and won the same award for VFL affiliate Box Hill Hawks.
GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan says...
“We were really impressed with Dan this year,” Fagan said.
“In selection, we talked lots of times about putting him into the team, and finally we got him in late in the year.
“He played four games for the year and was able to show us in those games that he can get his hands on the football and play at the level, which should give him a lot of confidence.
“We think we’ve got a player there – he’s a really mature kid with a great attitude and work ethic. We think that will take him a long way.”
In the news
VIDEO: Howe ready for debut against Suns
NEWS: Flexibility a focus for Howe
VIDEO: Speed Dating with Spangher: Howe
NEWS: Howe getting better with each game
VIDEO: Play Your Role: Howe
