Jai Newcombe has been named the winner of the 2022 AFL Coaches Association Best Young Player Award.

Newcombe, who was taken with Pick 2 in the 2021 AFL mid-season draft, has been crowned the best young player by the coaches following a remarkable rise from anonymity to an AFL powerhouse in his 29 AFL matches.

The youngster, who received his NAB Rising Star nomination in Round 5, has been one of the Hawks most consistent contributors this season, averaging 22.5 disposals, 3.9 clearances, 4.3 marks and 4.6 tackles per game. 

Newcombe was one of four Hawks to have played every game this year, and recorded 25 disposals or more on eight occasions, including two performances of 30 or above. 

Possessing a powerful and penetrating kick, he also ranks 20th in the league for metres gained to go with his fearless attack on the contest and underrated outside game.

The 21-year-old polled 44 votes over the last two seasons to finish ten votes ahead of Sydney's Errol Gulden who ended with 34 votes, while Geelong young defender Sam De Koning finished in third place.

Hawthorn Coach Sam Mitchell praised the efforts of his young star in receiving the recognition.

“This award is terrific recognition for what has been an outstanding first full season for Jai," Mitchell said. 

“Across 22 games this year, he has been among our most consistent and reliable performers – which is extremely rare for someone who has played just 29 games.

“For someone 21-years-old, Jai’s ability to get the best out of himself is amazing. He is an incredibly driven and self-motivated player and someone I thoroughly enjoy coaching.”

AFL Coaches Association CEO Alistair Nicholson congratulated Newcombe on his first two seasons in the AFL.

“What an impressive and quick rise for young Jai. He should be proud to have received 44 votes from the coaches since being taken in the 2021 mid-season draft. We look forward to watching his future successes," Nicholson said. 

Last year's winners of the award were Noah Anderson (Gold Coast) and Caleb Serong (Fremantle) while Sam Walsh (Carlton) claimed the 2020 award. 

The AFL Coaches Association Best Young Player Award is presented in recognition of the player based on performances in his first two seasons of AFL Football and is determined by the weekly votes of the AFL coaches.