HAWTHORN'S Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright says the club got two of its preferred players with its first two picks in this year's Rookie Draft.
The Hawks drafted South Australian tall Luke Surman (pick 18) and West Australian midfielder Kade Stewart (pick 36), before rookie-listing injured Hawk Alex Woodward (pick 52) and officially adding Irishman Conor Glass to the list (pick 62).
“Obviously we had a plan, and it was around talent early on,” Wright said.
“We were lucky that two of the players that we really liked in Kade and Luke were there at our early picks, so we didn’t have to delve too deeply I suppose into any contingencies.
“It wasn’t so much about player types, it was more about talent.”
Luke Surman, rookie pick 18
“He’s only been playing at this level for a year, he’s an ex-basketballer who played centre half back for the SA state academy this year,” Wright said.
“We think he’s got a lot of upside – he can play as a genuine ruck, can play forward as well but can also go back and play key position.”
Find out more about Luke Surman...
Kade Stewart, rookie pick 36
“He’s a left-footer, he plays that half-forward/on-ball position and we think he’s got some real scope to come on in the next few years,” Wright said.
“He’s going to take a little bit of time to get some weight on, but he’s competitive, very skilful and can play a few positions.”
Find out more about Kade Stewart...
Alex Woodward, rookie pick 52
“That was the plan always, to bring Alex back, so we were rapt we were able to do that,” Wright said.
“Coming off the third knee reco, we felt that we certainly didn’t want him leaving the Hawthorn footy club like that.”
Conor Glass, rookie pick 62
“We’re really excited with where Conor may be able to go to,” Wright said.
“He won’t join us until late, because he’s finishing school in Ireland, but from an overall perspective, we think he’s got some massive scope to push forward in the next few years as well.”
IN THE NEWS
Mission accomplished, says Wright
