With Hawthorn on a bye this week, Backline Coach Chris Newman has given his take on how every Hawk defender has performed throughout the 2022 season so far.

James Sicily

“Sis has been a really consistent performer across the first half of the season. It’s easy to forget he has missed the last season and a half. He continues to work hard on preparing his body each week. So far this season he has averaged 23 disposals a game, six spoils and three intercept marks while often playing on some of the oppositions best key forwards.”

Jarman Impey  

“After missing the first couple of matches, Jarman has gotten better with each game averaging almost 18 disposals. He has helped to inject some speed into the side with his ability to run and carry. He has missed a fair bit of footy over the last couple of years, so it’s great to see him string multiple games together in the first part of the season.”

Sam Frost

“Frost started in defence for the first part of the year and had some strong performances against some heavily targeted key forwards. For the last month he has played a variety of roles including defence, key forward and ruck, which has been great to see.”

Changkuoth Jiath  

“CJ started the year really well before missing four games through Rounds 6 to 9 averaging 21 disposals and providing some strong defensive actions. He played his best game on the weekend since returning, showcasing his ability to read the ball and compete in multiple contests due to his hard defensive running.”

Will Day 

“Will has played both back and midfield through the first part of the year. He has been great to be able to give him some exposure to multiple positions both inside and outside mid which is a really important part of his development as a young player. He missed the first two games of the year but has since played 10 from a possible 11 games, averaging 16 disposals.”

Jack Scrimshaw 

“Scrim returned on the weekend after missing two games through injury. Has been exposed to multiple roles in the back end and has shown the ability to play taller and provide some strong rebound. His ability to intercept the ball remains one of his great strengths and will look to put that on display with some strong defensive actions in the second half of the year.”

Blake Hardwick 

“Dimma has had a consistent year playing often on dangerous small forwards. He managed to play every game this far and has been important in providing leadership to some of the more inexperienced defenders playing along side him at various times.”

Lachlan Bramble 

“Lachy played seven games this year after missing the first six through injury from our first practice match against Collingwood. He has averaged 15 disposals, playing across both midfield and half back. He has provided some great run and carry and polish with his kicking. He is only into his second season into his AFL career, and continues to want to develop and learn his craft.”

Denver Grainger-Barras

“Denver has had great exposure playing 10 games so far this year and playing on some experienced key forwards. He has shown a real thirst for the contest and is working really hard on his defensive craft.”

Daniel Howe 

"Howey has played seven games so far this year with a combination of wing and half back. He had his best game as a defender when we took on Brisbane (15 disposals) and found himself playing tall and small. He played on the wing on the weekend against Fremantle and had 20 disposals and a goal."

James Blanck

"James is a key defender that has been very consistent throughout the year, so he deserves his opportunity to be officially an AFL-listed player. He's ultra competitive in the air and shows good speed for his 196cm height. He has shown his ability to take intercept marks at Box Hill and will work very closely with our key defenders to hone his craft." 

Fionn O’Hara

"Fionn has played a handful of games with Box Hill as a rebounding defender. He had a big block of training and football education in the early part of the season and is showing improvement with every game he plays. He has a real desire to tackle from his rugby background and shows a natural kicking ability from his Gaelic football background."

Josh Morris

"Josh has had a super consistent year and has become a very reliable small defender for Box Hill. He has showed his ability to compete on both small and tall forwards and finding a good balance between defence and attack."

Connor Downie

"Connor played as a rebounding defender and as a wingman at Box Hill after a bit of an interrupted first part of the season through injury. He had his best game two weeks ago when Box Hill took on Gold Coast, kicking two goals and recording 16 disposals."

Kyle Hartigan

“Hartigan has played three games at AFL level so far this year and has added some experience and strong contests in the last two weeks."

Seamus Mitchell

"Seamus made the switch from forward to back early in the year and has shown a natural ability to play the rebounding defender role. His ability to use his speed to run and create with the ball in hand has been a real strength for him. He still has a lot to learn in the position, but both offensively and defensively he has had an immediate impact which is pleasing."