Jai Newcombe has earned his first MVP nod for season 2023, following his stand-out performance in Hawthorn’s narrow two-point loss to GWS Giants at Norwood on Sunday.
The 21-year-old youngster led from the front in the heart-breaking result for the Hawks, racking up an equal career-high 31 disposals, 15 of which were contested, going at 81.6% efficiency across the contest.
The hard-nosed midfielder was instrumental in the engine room all afternoon, winning 10 clearances to go with his six marks and five tackles.
Such was Newcombe’s dominance in the Gather Round clash, his damage extended deep into Hawthorn’s front half, creating 10 score involvements as well as a brilliant individual third-quarter goal.
Newcombe loads up with a MONSTER! 🚀#AFLGiantsHawks | Via @afl pic.twitter.com/chU1dX2ZSr
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) April 16, 2023
What a great goal Jai Newcombe 👏👏 #AFLGiantsHawks
— Tim (@Tom074009) April 16, 2023
Regardless of result Jai Newcombe has been best on ground by the length of the Flemington straight. #AFLGiantsHawks
— Haydn O'Connor (@hoc90) April 16, 2023
Newcombe has continued his rise towards a top-line midfielder this year following a stellar 2022, where he took out the overall fan-voted MVP for the season, as well as claiming the AFL Coaches Association Best Young Player.
See all the highlights from Newcombe’s Round 5 MVP performance below:
