One of the features of Hawthorn’s 2018 campaign was the emergence of a new, exciting brigade of youth.
With the departure of so much senior experience over the past few years, it was the responsibility of the younger Hawks to help propel the brown and gold back into the September conversation.
The four names below stepped up to this challenge and figure as key candidates to take out this year’s Most Promising Player award on Saturday night at the Peter Crimmins Medal ceremony.
Read: Hawks confirm list changes
Harry Morrison
Following on from his outstanding debut in Round 23 2017, Harry Morrison delivered a very strong season in just his second year as a Hawk. After not featuring in the opening fortnight, Morrison missed just one senior game for the rest of the season, showing his wares as a capable utility. The 19-year old averaged 14.5 disposals, 4.8 marks and 3.1 tackles across his 21 appearances in 2018. His hard-nosed attitude and composure beyond his years has ensured he’s quickly shot to favouritism amongst coaches, teammates and fans.
James Worpel
As Hawthorn jostled for a place in the top four in an important last six weeks of the home and away season, James Worpel proved one of the Hawks most important players. Re-joining the senior line-up against Carlton in Round 18, the first-year midfielder went on to average 22.8 disposals, 4.2 tackles, 4.7 inside 50s and booted three goals across the six-game span. Consistently bobbing up at important times in games, Worpel showed an appetite for the big stage that will hold him in good stead for the remainder of his career.
Blake Hardwick
Being handed Luke Hodge’s jumper number upon the Hawthorn champion’s departure gave the world a reasonable indication as to the standing Blake Hardwick has inside the four walls of this football club. Playing in every game this season with averages of 16.4 possessions and 4.5 marks, the 21-year old proved a reliable defensive option who can also kickstart the Hawks offence with his disposals almost always executed with pinpoint precision.
Daniel Howe
Playing 17 senior games in 2018, Daniel Howe’s career continued its upward trend this year. Despite missing the final five games of the Hawks home and away season, the Murray Bushrangers product averaged a career-high 17.8 disposals as he proved one of the Hawks most reliable combatants inside the contest. The 22-year old’s best game of the year came in the Round 16 win over the Western Bulldogs when he gathered 25 touches, eight marks, six tackles, six clearances and booted a goal.
