James Sicily
Games: 11
Disposal average: 23.5
Best performance: R4 v St Kilda – 28 possessions, 10 marks (three contested), 10 rebound 50s
One of eight players to feature in all 11 games so far this season, Sicily has continued to prove his case as one of the leading defenders in the league. Averaging a career-high 23.5 possessions per game, the 24-year-old leads the league in rebound 50s, ranks second for metres gained, equal-third for intercept possessions and fifth for kicks in 2019. His ability to kickstart the Hawks’ offence from the defensive end has been of great value to his side.
Blake Hardwick
Games: 11
Disposal average: 17.4
Best performance: R7 v Melbourne – 19 possessions, seven marks, eight rebound 50s, six one-percenters
Following on from a 2018 season in which he finished runner-up in the Peter Crimmins Medal count, Hardwick is now a staple item of the Hawks defensive six. One of five Hawks to be averaging at least 80 per cent disposal efficiency, the 22-year-old is also getting more of it than ever before with a career-best 17.4 touches per outing. Alongside Sicily, ‘Dimma’ is also being entrusted with the ball across Hawthorn’s defensive line, with 5.1 rebound 50s per game more than doubling his tally last year.
Jarman Impey
Games: 11
Disposal average: 16.2
Best performance: R9 v Richmond – 21 possessions, 10 marks, 2 bounces
You could make a case for Jarman Impey being the most improved Hawk in 2019. Sure, some of his teammates are enjoying greater development by the numbers – but, in his second year in the brown and gold, Impey simply looks a new man in the Hawks line-up. There is a greater assuredness about his play this season, he is confident in his role and his ability to execute, highlighted by an impressive 81 per cent disposal efficiency.
Ben Stratton
Games: 10
Disposal average: 9.3
Best performance: R8 v GWS – 14 possessions, five marks, eight one-percenters
In his first year as captain of the club, Ben Stratton continues to lead a developing Hawks backline. Having missed the Easter Monday clash with Geelong, Stratton’s numbers have been somewhat down this year as he continues to acclimatize to his new role. But statistics have never been what the three-time premiership defender has hung his hat on – the intangibles of his effort and defensive intent.
Read: The team's mid-year review
Jack Scrimshaw
Games: 9
Disposal average: 16.2
Best performance: R4 v St Kilda – 23 possessions, eight marks (three contested), eight one-percenters
Few knew quite what to expect from Jack Scrimshaw at the start of the 2019 season. A top-10 pick a few drafts ago but one that had failed to cement a regular spot in the Suns 22, the talent was there – it was simply a matter of displaying on a regular basis. Now, at the halfway point of the year, Scrimshaw can be proud of his performance to date. The 193cm defender has quickly shown a level of comfort in the Hawks backline, with his left-foot kick quickly proving a weapon. After injuring his knee in Round 10, the 20-year-old may still miss a few games following the bye, but the Hawks will be looking forward to his return.
Shaun Burgoyne
Games: 7
Disposal average: 15.7
Best performance: R11 v Brisbane – 21 possessions, six marks, six rebound 50s, one goal
In his 18th season in the AFL, Shaun Burgoyne continues to perform at a high standard for the Hawks. The oldest player in the competition, Burgoyne broke into the top ten all-time for VFL/AFL games played against Port Adelaide in Round 10. But his age is simply not slowing him down. Instead his experience and composure is proving an invaluable tool amongst a young defensive brigade. The 36-year-old was one of the Hawks’ best in their loss to Brisbane on Saturday.
James Frawley
Games: 7
Disposal average: 10.4
Best performance: R8 v GWS – 17 disposals, eight marks, two rebound 50s
Like his team, James Frawley has had a season of ups and downs so far. While his ups have come in the form of blanketing some of the competition’s best forwards, the downs have come through two hamstring injuries that have seen him miss four matches in total. On his day, Frawley is one of the game’s best stoppers, keeping Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron goalless and Ben Brown to one goal. The 30-year-old will be hoping to enjoy better health in the back half of the season.
Tim O’Brien
Games: 6
Disposal average: 14.7
Best performance: R10 v Port Adelaide - 18 disposals, four rebound 50s, six one-percenters
After Round 5, Tim O’Brien was yet to feature in the senior side. But, after performing strongly for Box Hill in the opening month of the year, O’Brien was given an opportunity at AFL level as the Hawks took on Carlton in Round 6. Since then, the 25-year-old hasn’t looked back, playing in six consecutive games. Playing his 50th game in Round 9 against Richmond, O’Brien has seemingly grown in confidence in each outing with his 14.7 touches per game a career-high.
David Mirra
Games: 4
Disposal average: 17.5
Best performance: R4 v St Kilda – 20 possessions, eight marks, seven rebound 50s
O’Brien hadn’t played up to Round 5, David Mirra hasn’t played since then. Mirra was a member of the senior side in four of the opening five games of the season before being left out of the 22 in the two months thereafter. The strong-bodied defender has been somewhat out-of-favour since a start to the season where he by no means disgraced himself, averaging 17.5 touches, three rebound 50s and just shy of six marks per game. A regular contributor at VFL level, the 28-year-old will be hopeful of receiving another chance before the year is out.
Conor Glass
Games: 3
Disposal average: 12
Best performance: R9 v Richmond – 13 possessions, one mark, two inside 50s
Conor Glass’ disposal efficiency has stood out since he joined the team in Round 9. Playing every game since, the Irishman has operated at 86 per cent disposal efficiency, which ranks 15th in the league for those players who have played at least three games. With his ability to get involved in the Hawks ball movement patterns, Glass has been able to string three games together. With still only 13 senior games under his belt, you can count on the 21-year-old continuing his promising development with every bit of exposure he gets.
Kaiden Brand
Games: 3
Disposal average: 11
Best performance: R7 v Melbourne – 13 possessions, four marks, seven rebound 50s, 10 one-percenters
Despite limited opportunities at senior level so far in 2019, Brand has shown some good signs in his three outings. The key defender has appeared more comfortable at AFL level in 2019, highlighted by his 79 per cent disposal efficiency. While his key strength, his defensive stinginess, has remained apparent, with his 8.7 one percenters per game good for the sixth-best average in the league.
