Ahead of Sunday’s VFL grand final, hawthornfc.com.au takes a look at how the club’s first year players have progressed this season.
James Worpel
Has enjoyed a terrific first season, breaking through for three AFL appearances early in the year before working his way back in to the team in Round 18. Finished with 11 senior games, including the Hawks’ two finals, averaging close to 18 disposals and four tackles a game. Produced some terrific form at VFL level also, with the Round 15 clash with Port Melbourne his best of nine games for Box Hill, gathering 34 disposals and kicking a goal. Will be an exciting addition, should he return for the grand final.
Dylan Moore
Suffered a setback early in the season after fracturing his shoulder but has bounced back admirably and gotten better as the season has worn on. Produced arguably his best performance for Box Hill in the side’s narrow one-point preliminary final win over Port Melbourne, with four goals from 20 disposals and looms as a key factor in Sunday’s decider.
Jackson Ross
Has progressed well across 17 VFL appearances so far this season, spending most of his time in the forward half. Produced a standout performance against Werribee accumulating 20 disposals, taking nine marks and kicking two goals and will look to finish the season strongly.
David Mirra
Was as reliable as ever down back for Box Hill before being thrown up forward with considerable success, kicking seven goals across his last two VFL appearances. Earnt a timely AFL recall for the Hawks’ Round 23 win before also making a maiden finals appearance in the club’s semi final against Melbourne. Finished the season with seven senior games, averaging almost 17 disposals and 6 marks, while a 24-disposal, eight-mark outing against the Brisbane Lions in Round 5 was arguably his best for the year. Will be a big in for Sunday’s grand final, should he be recalled.
Harrison Jones
Made 12 appearances at VFL level for Box Hill before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Jones’ best performance came against Port Melbourne in Round 15 with 26 disposals, seven marks and a goal in what coach Chris Newman labelled a ‘break-out game’.
Changkuoth Jiath
Had an interrupted start to the season after suffering an ankle injury but has strung some good form together as the season’s progressed. Had 17 disposals and four marks in the preliminary final win, while his best performance came against Casey earlier in the season, gathering 20 disposals and taking nine marks to go with a goal. The 19-year-old will be hoping to again produce the goods against the Demons this weekend.
