Changkuoth Jiath has capped off a stellar year by taking out Hawthorn’s Most Promising Player for 2021 at the Peter Crimmins Medal count on Thursday.
The young defender - who was one of Hawthorn's success stories of the season - was one of four Hawks to receive a club award on the night.
Prior to this season, Jiath had played just seven games, but in 2021 the rookie managed to take a big leap forward in his young career.
With his improved athleticism, speed, skills and game awareness reaching a new high this year, the exciting defender elevated himself into an elite intercept marker.
Despite being unable to finish off the year off due to a season-ending injury in Round 17, Jiath hauled in 2.4 intercept marks and won 6.9 possessions in 16 games this year.
"Last year, we didn't really like where we were as a team and certainly for me I didn't like where I was," he said.
"It took a lot of hard work in the pre-season, with not only me, but my teammates and the whole footy club as well to try to fast-track our progress."
Meanwhile, Jacob Koschitzke received the honours as Hawthorn’s Best First Year player off the back of a terrific break-out campaign up forward.
The 21-year-old was a reliable target in front of goal, kicking 27 majors across his 20 senior appearances – an effort that also saw him earn a Rising Star nomination in Round 6.
Koschitzke said he enjoyed his time this season up froward, a switch from his previous role as a defender.
“I’ve been able to play a little bit more to my strengths which is good,” he said.
“I think I was getting caught in my own head a little bit too much, but now I’m just going and playing on instinct which is good.
“I’ve surprised myself, I didn’t think it would happen as quickly – it has been a good ride.”
Sam Frost earned the nod for the Hawks’ Most Consistent Player in 2021, following what was arguably the best season of his 10-year career.
Forced to step up following key defender's James Sicily injury, Frost was a solid competitor in his side with his height, speed and agility allowing him to play on a variety of forwards.
The 28-year-old averaged 7.8 intercepts per game this season, which was the most on average of any Hawks player and the eighth-highest average of any player in the competition.
One of four Hawks to play 22 games in 2021, Frost said he had enjoyed growing alongside his young teammates in defence.
"It was nice to play every week and have some consistency in my performance," he said.
"For me, it's just been about focusing on the task at hand and taking it a day at a time."
Rounding out the top honours was Ben McEvoy who was named Hawthorn’s Best Clubman.
In his first year as the brown and gold's captain, the veteran provided a pivotal presence for the club, playing every game this season.
An impressive leader both on and off the field during a challenging year, McEvoy demonstrated his ability to get the best out of not just himself, but also his teammates.
“There’s been a lot going on in the last 12 months, but it’s been a great challenge for me personally," McEvoy said.
“I’m really proud of the way I’ve applied myself to it, and I’m still so humbled to have had the opportunity."
The winners
Best First Year Player – Jacob Koschitzke
Most Promising Player – Changkuoth Jiath
Most Consistent Player – Sam Frost
Best Clubman – Ben McEvoy
Stay tuned for further updates from tonight’s Peter Crimmins Medal vote count across our social media channels and website.
