In brief
AFL matches: 24
Disposals per game: 16.5
Marks: 7.5
Kicks: 11.5
Tackles per game: 2.2
Goals: 57
Review
Jack Gunston has cemented himself as a crucial part of the Hawthorn forward line.
Averaging almost 17 disposals a game and finishing the season as the club’s leading goalkicker, 2015 was another solid season for the 23-year-old.
Originally recruited by Adelaide with pick 29 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, Gunston played 14 games with the Crows before joining the Hawks prior to the 2012 season.
Since making the move back to Victoria, Gunston has played in grand finals in each of his four completed seasons at the Hawks.
The forward played 24 of a possible 26 games during 2015 – reaching 100 career games in Round 22 – but the finals series wasn’t without its fair share of drama for Gunston.
He missed the Hawks’ semi-final and preliminary final victories after injuring his ankle in the qualifying final.
Much to the delight of Hawk’s fans, Gunston managed to prove his fitness and was recalled for the grand final against West Coast Eagles.
He went on to kick four goals from 17 disposals, meaning Gunston has now kicked multiple goals in all of his four Grand Final appearances.
As far as 2015 goes, Gunston says his own form was been a bit “up and down” – but as a team the Hawks continued to all find ways to contribute.
“I had good patches of consistency without playing awesome footy,” he said.
“But I think that’s the beauty of our forward line, we don’t need one bloke to be able to kick all the goals each week. We can spread the love across the Breusts, Rougheads and Riolis.
“The beauty of playing here is that we’re able to share the load and get everyone involved.”
GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan says...
“When he first came to the club he really measured himself a lot on how many goals he kicked, and thought that was how he was rated as a player,” said Fagan.
“The good part about Jack and his development in recent years is that he puts just as high a value on creating a goal for a teammate than kicking one himself.
“He’s become such a dangerous player in that regard – he’s kicked 57 goals himself and has probably played a hand in another 60 to 80 goals for his teammates.
“He’s really versatile too - he can play up on the wing or behind the ball and plays an important role for us.
“He continues to be a real threat and a player that opposition teams have to put a lot of time and effort into planning for.”
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