4. Billy Hartung

After the disappointment of missing last year’s Grand Final, Billy Hartung has bounced back to play an important role for the Hawks in 2016.

With his ability to break the lines, Hartung has provided his trademark midfield run, averaging 20.5 disposals per game.

Arguably Hartung’s past two games have been his best this season – where he has found plenty of the ball, while kicking two goals in each game.

Key moment: Hartung’s third term against North Melbourne, where he kicked two goals when the game was in the balance – a classy snap and a smooth finish on the run, just before three-quarter time.

AFL matches: 13
Disposals per game: 20.5
Goals: 6
Bounces: 11 (3rd at Hawthorn)

VFL matches: 1

10. Bradley Hill

Speedster Bradley Hill missed the start of the season with a wrist injury, but is starting to recapture his best form.

The three-time premiership player – still just 22 years old – has enjoyed two of his best games for 2016 in recent weeks, against Essendon and Gold Coast Suns.

With his leg speed and line-breaking run, the Hawks will be hoping to see the best of Hill in the second half of the season.

Key moment: A late goal against the Brisbane Lions – a long set shot – followed by a ‘shake a leg’ dance during Indigenous Round.

AFL matches: 10
Disposals per game: 16.2
Goals: 6

16. Isaac Smith

A new addition to the leadership group in 2016, Isaac Smith has relished the extra responsibility.

The damaging left-footer has been one of the Hawks’ most consistent players this year.

Averaging more than 22 disposals per game – and ranked first for kicks and inside 50s – Smith has been a key driver into attack for the Hawks.

Key moment: It’s an Isaac Smith trademark. Burn off an opponent, hit the 50-metre arc and launch a raking left-foot goal – plus the celebration. Goals against Brisbane Lions and North Melbourne were good, but his final-quarter effort against Richmond was arguably the pick of the lot.  

AFL matches: 14
Disposals per game: 22.3
Uncontested poss. per game: 17.9 (2nd at Hawthorn)
Goals: 7
Kicks: 191 (1st at Hawthorn)
Bounces: 19 (1st at Hawthorn)
Inside 50s: 62 (1st at Hawthorn)

18. Jonathon Ceglar

Ruckman Jonathon Ceglar has continued to improve this season, becoming a really important member of the senior side.

Ceglar played 14 games in 2015, and has already played 12 this year.

He’s also shown he can be a threat up forward, capable of pulling in a big contested mark and kicking truly.

Key moment: With the Suns challenging early in the third term in Round 14, Ceglar took a strong grab in the forward pocket, before coolly going back and slotting an impressive goal at a key moment in the game.

AFL matches: 12
Disposals per game: 11.2
Goals: 6
Hit-outs: 272 (1st at Hawthorn)

20. Dallas Willsmore

Senior selection doesn’t seem to be too far away for emerging utility Dallas Willsmore.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season at VFL level, playing across all three lines and being named among Box Hill’s best performers on multiple occasions.

The skilful left-footer has been out of action for the past two weeks with a hamstring injury, but will be looking to put his best foot forward after the bye.

VFL matches: 8

26. Liam Shiels

Tough and uncompromising, Liam Shiels has been a solid contributor again in 2016.

He’s played at times as a ball-winning midfielder – but has also played some important tagging roles, on the likes of Richmond’s Dustin Martin and North Melbourne’s Daniel Wells to help the Hawks to wins.

An out-and-out competitor, Shiels leads the Hawks – and the competition - for tackles.

Key moment: Shiels has laid 10-or-more tackles in five matches this year – but it was his performance against Richmond which stood out. He racked up 16 tackles – but also kicked an early goal in the last quarter on the run.

AFL matches: 12
Disposals per game: 17.8
Goals: 2
Tackles: 110 (1st at Hawthorn)
Clearances: 43 (equal 3rd at Hawthorn)

36. Kieran Lovell

One of four debutants in 2016, Kieran Lovell looks to have a bright future ahead of him.

Lovell was the Hawks’ second selection in the 2015 draft, has shown promising signs in his two matches at AFL level and has been a regular contributor for Box Hill Hawks.

The young midfielder has drawn comparisons to Sam Mitchell, and his agility is a real feature of his game.

Key moment: On debut in a disappointing loss against GWS Giants, Lovell was a standout for the Hawks in the first half, collecting 10 disposals. It was a brief moment – where he spun out of traffic and away from three Giants players – that was most impressive.

AFL matches: 2
Disposals per game: 14.5
Goals: 0

VFL matches: 9

40. Kade Stewart

It’s been a big year for Kade Stewart.

He was drafted as a rookie, upgraded to the senior list and has since played three AFL games – and acquitted himself well in all three.

With his attack on the ball and opposition, Stewart has drawn comparisons to Will Langford and Liam Shiels and looks to be a player for the future.

After missing the Hawks’ win against Gold Coast, Stewart will no doubt be keen to fight for a senior return after the bye.

Key moment: In wet conditions against a determined Dees outfit on debut, Stewart looked far from out of place. He collected 16 disposals, laid nine tackles, and after missing a set-shot, made no mistake with a snap on the run, kicking his first AFL goal in the final quarter – when  the Hawks needed it most.

AFL matches: 3
Disposals per game: 12
Goals: 3

VFL matches: 6