Nick Watson, Jack Scrimshaw, James Sicily, Sam Frost, Changkuoth Jiath, Dylan Moore and Jai Newcombe have all been recognised with a club award at Hawthorn’s Peter Crimmins Medal count on Saturday night.
Watson was named the team’s Most Promising Player following an impressive debut campaign with the Hawks.
After being selected by the club with Pick 5 in the 2023 national draft, the 19-year-old immediately showcased his talents, speed and liveliness on the big stage, kicking 25 goals in 18 games.
Watson backed that up with averages of 10.8 disposals, 5.6 score involvements and 3.1 marks per game.
The talented teenager’s breakout game came in Round 19 where he booted three goals in an emphatic performance against the Pies, earning himself a Rising Star nod.
Watson’s growth continued through September, where he thrived on the big stage by kicking a combined seven goals in Hawthorn’s two finals matches, providing an exciting glimpse into his promising future.
Scrimshaw was named as Hawthorn’s Most Improved Player following a dominant year in defence.
After suiting up for just 16 games in 2023, the 25-year-old missed just one match this season, showing significant improvement and consistency.
Scrimshaw was ranked elite in average disposals (18.1), accumulated career-high intercept possessions (7.6) and rebound 50s (3.9) and also ranked above average in intercept marks (2.6), whilst taking a total of 5.9 marks per game.
This is Scrimshaw’s second Most Improved Award, with the 26-year-old now establishing himself as one of the competition’s premier defenders thanks to his lock-down ability on key opposition forwards, along with his elite disposal and aerial prowess.
Sicily led from the front all year to claim the Hawks’ Most Courageous Player Award.
While the Hawthorn captain displayed his usual traits in defence - elite kicking, strong hands and impressive leadership - he also played through several troublesome shoulder issues, having suffered dislocations across the year.
The 29-year-old stood tall to miss just three games for the season and play a key role in his side’s first finals campaign since 2018.
Sicily capped off the year by being selected in the All Australian squad for the third straight season after averaging 21.5 disposals, 7.6 marks, 7.1 intercept possessions and 5.3 rebound 50s.
Much-loved defender Frost took out the Best Clubman Award following one of his best seasons across his 12-year career.
The 31-year-old key defender played a selfless brand of football in 2024, being tasked with locking down the opposition’s most dangerous forward almost every round.
His success from those match-ups came as a result of his diligent work on and off the track during the week, not only getting the best out of himself but also mentoring the up-and-coming defenders around him.
After playing every round of the home-and-away season and suiting up for Hawthorn’s Elimination Final win over the Western Bulldogs, Frost’s year was cruelly cut short by a stress fracture in his foot prior to the Hawks’ Semi Final against Port Adelaide.
However, he remained incredibly upbeat and played a pivotal role with the coaches and emerging defenders as soon as he learnt of his diagnosis.
Jiath was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the community, claiming the inaugural Hawks Community Leadership Award, supported by the MacKenzie family.
The 25-year-old was judged the winner of the award on the back of his important work with NextGen Unite, which is a dynamic, youth-led non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering South Sudanese Australians.
Jiath’s involvement stems from his passion of fostering resilience, unity and a sense of belonging in South Sudanese young people which has seen him become a role model and mentor.
He was born in a refugee camp in Ethiopia and spent the first six years of his life living in the African nation, before his family moved to Dandenong and settled in Gippsland, among a large South Sudanese community.
As part of his work with NextGen Unite, Jiath plays a key role in mentorship and guidance, skill development and community building through coaching and participating in various NextGen Unite events.
He also claimed the coveted Tom Hafey Variety of the Heart Football Award last month.
Co-Vice-Captain Moore capped off a season to remember by taking home the prestigious Lethal Award, voted on by his teammates.
After being named Best Clubman in 2022 and Most Courageous in 2023, the 25-year-old has continued to play a significant role in driving standards among a young Hawthorn outfit.
In arguably a career-best year, Moore averaged 19.5 disposals, 7.2 score involvements, 5.3 marks, 4.1 inside 50s and four tackles to earn his first All Australian selection.
After nearly being delisted at the end of 2020 after a tough first few years in the AFL system, Moore has continued to earn the respect of his teammates through his incredible work ethic and outstanding leadership, which was on full display across the 2024 season.
Finally, midfield bull Newcombe was crowned Hawthorn’s Best Player in Finals.
The 23-year-old recorded 30+ disposals in both the Hawks’ Elimination Final win over the Western Bulldogs and Semi Final loss against Port Adelaide, along with hitting the scoreboard against the Bulldogs.
Following the first two weeks of finals, Newcombe led all-comers in the coveted Gary Ayres Award with 15 votes after the coaches recognised him for his superb finals performances.
Hawthorn’s 2024 Club Award Winners
Most Promising: Nick Watson
Most Improved: Jack Scrimshaw
Most Courageous: James Sicily
Best Clubman: Sam Frost
Lethal Award: Dylan Moore
Best Player in Finals: Jai Newcombe
Community Leadership Award, supported by the MacKenzie family: Changkuoth Jiath