With Hawthorn’s AFL season coming to an end, Development Coach David Mackay has reviewed how every midfielder performed in 2024. 

See what he had to say below. 

Harry Morrison

“Harry had an interesting year. He had some challenges this year in that he would have liked to have played more games, but I think the way Harry finished the year, particularly in our finals campaign, was outstanding. So there at times was frustration for Harry, but towards the end of the year, he showed some great signs playing on that wing, and a little bit of time across half-back as well.”

Jai Newcombe

“Jai had another outstanding year, particularly in the second half of the year. His work inside the contest around stoppage, and then using his weapons to sort of get out and use the ball was really good. So Jai had a fantastic year and certainly built on his year in 2023.”

James Worpel

“Worps was really solid again this year. He had a great year around the contest and around stoppage. We just love the intensity that Worps brings in offence and defence, particularly in tight around the contest. Probably the one thing he did add this year, which was fantastic, was his execution, particularly going inside 50. It really hurt the opposition.”

Ned Reeves

“Ned had a really challenging year. Physically, he didn't get the continuity that he would have liked. He was a bit interrupted early in the year and then had issues with his back later in the year, which affected his ability to get back into the side and play the level of footy that we know Ned can play at. He'd be looking to bounce back, get physically ready to go and get back up into that ruck spot.”

Changkuoth Jiath

“I think it was a really good learning year for CJ. He learnt a lot physically about what he needs to do to keep himself on the park. I think he played 11 games in a row at one stage, which should give him a lot of confidence going into next year that when he can get himself right physically, he can be a key player for us. We really love what CJ brings to the team and we’re looking forward to seeing more of it.”

Conor Nash

“Conor was really solid again this year, playing a variety of different roles in that midfield. He obviously spent some time in the ruck and some on opposition, good players and roles in that sense. His flexibility in there and his willingness to do whatever the team required is really critical for us.”

Will Day

“There was obviously some frustration for Daysy at the start of the year with his foot, and then at the back end of the year as well. But in between that, he played some exceptional footy, really showcased his ability and highlighted how important he is to us. We’re looking forward to seeing more of that. In terms of Will Day the leader as well, he really stood up in key moments for us throughout the year and led the way. The footy he played this year was exceptional, and looking forward to seeing more of it.”

Massimo D’Ambrosio

“Mass was outstanding this year. The work that he's put into his game and I guess the improvement that he made across the year was first class and he got recognised which was duly so. His ability to play on that wing, impact the contest and then also hurt the opposition with his ball use were features of Mass’ game. I was really rapt to see him make the progression he did.”

Lloyd Meek 

“Meeky was exceptional. He's been working really hard since he arrived at Hawthorn to cement that spot and I think we saw sort of the fruits of his labor. He added a level of predictability to our midfield. He works really hard during the week to get the best out of himself and we saw the benefit of that. His work around the contest and around stoppage gave our midfielders a great opportunity to excel at that part of the game. Meeky was a great success story for the year.”

Josh Ward

“Josh probably had another year where he would have learned a lot. At times he was frustrated and wanted to play more senior games, but we saw the growth in Josh, not only going back and playing in the midfield through the VFL, but you know, we see him in the final series, particularly against the Bulldogs, and the weapons that he brings around the ball and the progression that he made throughout the year. Even though it wasn't evident all the time at AFL level, Josh is really exciting. He's got a great work ethic and we're pretty excited to see where it can take him.”

Cam Mackenzie 

“Cam had another really good year for such a young player. He made great progression playing a couple of different roles, whether it be wing or midfield. Cam's got some great attributes and great weapons that we're starting to see more and more of, and it's just about for him building consistency and becoming even more comfortable at the level. I think we're seeing that as he goes on. Like a lot of our young mids, we're pretty excited to see what Cam can do going forward.”

Finn Maginness

“We were rapt with Finn's season. His flexibility and the different roles that he can play, as coaches, gives us great options for every game. I guess the thing he did add to his game this year was that capacity to play different roles, so playing forward, playing wing. Particularly in the final series, his performance was really strong which holds him in really good stead. We thought we saw a lot of progression from Finn so yeah, really happy with him.”

Henry Hustwaite

“Huss made some big inroads as well this year. His pre-season coming into the season was outstanding and he gave himself a chance early in the year. I guess the form of our midfield across the year made it hard for Henry to break in. But you know, we saw a lot of growth in the VFL, he's a great stoppage player, he's got elite hands. We're pretty excited to see where that can take him and if he can push up into that midfield bracket early next year.”

Watch David Mackay’s full midfield review below.