Star midfielder Jai Newcombe has won Hawthorn’s highest individual honour, claiming his maiden Peter Crimmins Medal following an excellent 2024 campaign.
After consecutive runner-up finishes in the last two seasons, the 23-year-old finally broke through to claim the coveted title in a thrilling vote count on Saturday night.
Newcombe (155 votes) finished just nine votes ahead of runner-up Dylan Moore (146), followed by Jarman Impey (119) in third place.
Hard-nosed midfielder James Worpel and the ever-reliable Blake Hardwick were also rewarded for their solid seasons, with fourth and fifth-placed finishes, respectively.
Newcombe’s first Peter Crimmins Medal caps off a sharp rise to stardom for the former mid-season draftee.
The Poowong product has barely put a foot wrong in his first three full seasons to date, finishing on the Peter Crimmins Medal podium for a third-straight year.
Season 2024 saw Newcombe take his game to new heights, ranking above average in disposals (24.8), clearances (5.9) and tackles (4.4).
Originally selected with Pick 2 in the 2021 mid-season draft, Newcombe made his debut in Round 13 that same year, and has gone on to play 76 matches for the brown and gold to date.
The Box Hill success story has long been regarded within the four walls of the club, so much so, he was awarded the honour of wearing the famous No.3 guernsey at the start of the 2023 season.
In addition to cementing himself as a key cog in the Hawks engine room, Newcombe’s growing leadership has been pivotal in leading the next generation of brown and gold stars.
Following a career-best campaign, which included a maiden All Australian blazer, Moore now adds a runner-up Peter Crimmins Medal finish to his accomplishments for 2024.
The Hawks co-vice-captain booted 36 goals in a stunning season, showcasing his immense forward smarts, outstanding leadership and heart-and-soul attitude whilst playing every game.
Moore’s averages speak for themselves, ranking elite in disposals (19.5), marks (5.3) and tackles (4) after playing every possible game for the club in 2024.
Rounding out the podium is Impey, who has been rewarded for an outstanding year in defence with a career-best Peter Crimmins Medal finish.
In his 10th season at AFL level, the 29-year-old averaged 18.8 disposals, 5.6 marks, 5.4 intercept possessions and 3.1 rebound 50s in an ultra-consistent 2024 campaign.
His running power, precise kicking and incredible leadership qualities were all on display this season, with the proud Yorta Yorta man forming a key part of Hawthorn’s strong back six.
Along with his maiden Peter Crimmins Medal, Newcombe was also named Best Finals Player after two outstanding outings against the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide.
In a testament to his high regard among the four walls, Moore also won the coveted peer-voted Lethal Award to complement his runner-up finish.
Nick Watson was named Most Promising, while Jack Scrimshaw took home the Most Improved Award.
Captain James Sicily was judged Most Courageous, defender Sam Frost was recognised as Best Clubman, and Changkuoth Jiath was anointed with the inaugural Hawks Community Leadership Award, supported by the MacKenzie family.
2024 Peter Crimmins Medal Top 10
- Jai Newcombe (155 votes)
- Dylan Moore (146 votes)
- Jarman Impey (119 votes)
- James Worpel (116 votes)
- Blake Hardwick (114 votes)
- Connor Macdonald (113 votes)
- Karl Amon (110 votes)
- Jack Scrimshaw (108 votes)
- Jack Ginnivan (107 votes)
- Massimo D’Ambrosio (101 votes)
Coaches gave:
- One vote to players who played their role or beat their opponent.
- Two votes for those who had a significant influence on the game.
- Three votes to the best player or players on the ground.
- And, on rare occasions, a player or players might receive four votes for an exceptional game.
