With Jarryd Roughead officially entering his second year as the club’s captain, we thought we would take a look back at some of the highlights of his first year as skipper.

Read: Roughead heads a five-man leadership group in 2018 

Round 1 vs Essendon

12 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 2 goals

Having spent the entirety of the 2016 season on the sidelines, Roughead made his return to football on a blockbuster Saturday night clash with the Bombers. It was an encouraging performance from the newly appointed captain, with his first goal just after half time receiving an enormous roar from the near-80,000-strong crowd. Unfortunately, the Hawks were unable to produce a victory in the season opener but Roughead had proved he was the right man to lead in the season ahead..

Round 7 vs Melbourne

15 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 4 hit-outs, 4 goals

By Round 7, the Hawks had won just one of their first six games of the season and faced a Demons outfit that had shown promise throughout the opening month and a half. The Hawks were desperate and Roughead was ready to lead the way. His four goals were all-important but, without doubt, the skipper’s most significant moment of the night was his courageous spoil with nine seconds remaining in the game to ruin the Demons’ chances of a last gasp victory.

Round 10 vs Sydney

18 disposals, 2 marks, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal

Hawthorn’s gloomy start to the season had continued to a three-win and six-loss record, with a Round 10 meeting with Sydney in Sydney not appearing to make things any easier. With the Swans having strung together an impressive month of reviving their season, the Hawks travelled north as the extreme underdogs. But they were courageous, with Roughead having an impact in all areas of the ground despite failing to hit the scoreboard. But Roughy’s moment arrived when, with 80 seconds remaining on the clock, the forward thumped through a 50-metre captain’s goal to secure a memorable win for the Hawks.  

Round 18 vs Fremantle

20 disposals, 3 marks, 3 tackles, 2 goals

The Hawks’ second-half of the season resurgence continued as they toppled the Dockers by 52 points in front of their home crowd. Somewhat marring the night for the Hawks though was an ugly spat between Hawks teammates James Sicily and Taylor Duryea. Sicily lost his cool with Duryea as it seemed there was no coming back from the hot-headed youngster’s anger. But as the Hawks players left the ground for half time, Jarryd Roughead put an arm around his talented teammate, offering a calming influence as they entered the main break. This stirring show of leadership was complemented by an outstanding game in his own right as Roughead finished with 20 possessions and two goals.

Round 23 vs Western Bulldogs

19 disposals, 10 marks, 6 tackles, 5 goals

The final game of the season was all about the farewelling of superstar Luke Hodge, but Roughead ensured that the attention was not solely fixed on his predecessor. The 30-year old was dominant, giving the Dogs defenders an almighty headache on his way to grabbing an incredible seven marks inside 50. His outing earned him three Brownlow votes as he truly left his best ‘til last in season 2017, and left no doubt in fans' minds that he was the man to lead the Hawks in their 2018 pursuit.