It's hard to find a bigger whirlwind journey to 50 games than Jai Newcombe's. 

Overlooked by Gippsland Power, Newcombe signed on with Box Hill when Sam Mitchell was the coach in 2021. 

He was later picked up by Hawthorn in the mid-season draft that same year after playing just six VFL games.

The now 22-year-old went on to make seven senior appearances in the end of 2021 season - with his debut coming only a week after being drafted.

Last year saw Newcombe produce a phenomenal first full season in the AFL, finishing runner-up behind James Sicily in the Peter Crimmins Medal by just eight votes – going down to the final round.

Along with taking the top gong as the AFLCA Best Young Player, he finished third in the Rising Star behind Nick Daicos and Sam De Koning.

Now, two years since starting his AFL journey, he's getting ready to play his 50th AFL game. 

Last year's narrative around Newcombe was about where he had come from, but now it's quickly changed to how far he can go. 

And while the romance of his rise from obscurity to the big time captured more attention in 2022, Newcombe has quietly produced an even better season this year, becoming a key figure in Hawthorn's engine room and is on the verge of entering the elite bracket. 

Speaking on Fox Footy's AFL360 last week, Newcombe reflected on his journey to date.

"I was a late bloomer which didn't really help me through those years when I was 15-17, being a lot smaller than everyone else makes it hard to be noticed," he said. 

"Covid took its toll there for a year as well so that didn't help either, but fortunately I was able to make up lost ground quickly post that which was nice."

Since inheriting the iconic No.3 earlier this year, the number worn most famously at Hawthorn by Leigh Matthews, Newcombe has thrived with the added pressure. 

The inside midfielder is averaging career-high numbers across the board: disposals (24.5 per game), contested possessions (11.5), groundball gets (7.1), score involvements (6.3) and clearances (5.8) from 20 appearances. 

Newcombe said he was enjoying the extra responsibility he has found himself taking on this season. 

"It's been really good to come together with James Worpel, Will Day and Conor Nash, we've all been able to form a close connection in there, we are all working well together, we're having personal best years this season which is really pleasing," Newcombe added.

"We've taken on the responsibility really well and we're looking forward to continue to grow together moving forward. 

"We have a lot of young guys come in and make their debut this year, which has been really exciting, we're getting development right across the board which is really good to see."

It's hard to believe that a guy who has only played 50 games has already made so much impact.

If the early signs are anything to go by, Newcombe is set for a very exciting career in the brown and gold.

Newcombe in 2022 vs 2023