In brief
AFL matches: 16
Average disposals per game: 12.5
Marks per game: 4.3
Goals: 15
VFL matches: 4
Goals: 5
Review
PREMIERSHIP hero Ryan Schoenmakers saved his best for last.
The 24-year-old swingman has played plenty of strong games in his 95-game career, but has arguably produced none better than his performance on grand final day in 2015.
Schoenmakers again spent time at both ends of the ground this season, but settled up forward in the grand final and looked more than comfortable on the big stage against West Coast Eagles.
He finished with 21 disposals, nine marks, four tackles and a goal, playing an important role for the Hawks in their premiership triumph.
A premiership medal was reward not just for his effort on the day, but his journey to premiership success.
In 2012, Schoenmakers played in the Hawks’ grand final defeat, and a knee injury kept him sidelined for the bulk of 2013’s ultimately successful campaign.
He was left out of the side on the stroke of finals in 2014, but worked hard to fight his way back into the team and taste success this season.
The versatile 195-centimetre big man played 16 games in total for the season, with six between Round 14 and Round 19 the most in succession.
After missing selection in the final two home and away games of the season, and the Hawks’ qualifying final, Schoenmakers returned for the semi final in place of injured forward Jack Gunston.
He was solid against the Crows, providing a strong marking presence, and was better again in the preliminary final against Fremantle, finishing with 16 disposals, seven marks and two goals.
His grand final performance was the icing on the cake, and hopefully of sign of things to come in 2016 and beyond.
Early in his career, Schoenmakers spent a lot of time in defence, whereas in 2015, he spent the majority of his games up forward, with a little bit down back.
"It's the first time we've been able to play him regularly as a forward and we've been delighted what he's been able to contribute. We're just rapt for him to join this special group of guys to win a premiership for our club,” Coach Alastair Clarkson said after the grand final.
After turning down advances from rival clubs at the end of 2014, Schoenmakers did the same again at the end of 2015, signing a deal which ties him to the Hawks until at least the end of 2017.
GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan says...
“It was a great story – Ryan's become a bit of a favourite with the Hawks supporters,” Fagan said.
“To watch him play in the grand final after all he’s being through with the knee reconstructions and people probably being a little over-critical of him when he was a younger player having to play on the big dogs as a defender… for me that was one of the high points.
“To see him do so well, it’s exciting for our footy club and he’s really starting to realise his potential.
“He’s got lots to look forward to in years to come, and he’s going to be an important player for us.”
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VIDEO: Play Your Role: Schoenmakers
