If the JLT Series is anything to go by...
Kade Stewart could make the step up this year.
Stewart has delivered back-to-back strong performances in the opening two games of the pre-season series, including kicking the game-winning goal after the siren in the opener against Geelong. Entering his second year at the club, the West Australian rookie has enjoyed time through the midfield and up forward and is the only Hawk to have kicked multiple goals in both JLT series games. Having played three games in a positive debut season, the 20-year old looks set to build on that number in 2017.
If the JLT Series is anything to go by...
It might not be long until Jarryd Roughead and Jaeger O'Meara are back to their damaging best.
After both endured an entire year on the sidelines in 2016, Roughead and O'Meara were two of Hawthorn's shining lights in last Sunday's loss to the Kangaroos. Quickly putting to bed any thought of lacking fitness or rustiness, the superstar pair were especially dominant in the first half of the clash against North Melbourne, leading all-comers on the ground to combine for 31 disposals between them (O'Meara 16 disposals and a goal, Roughead 15 disposals). Roughead finished with 23 disposals and four marks while O'Meara finished with 22 touches and a team-high seven clearances.
If the JLT Series is anything to go by...
Tyrone Vickery and Tom Mitchell could potentially be some of the recruits of the year.
Vickery played his second game for the Hawks against North and, after a promising debut against Geelong, the former Tiger performed even more impressively against the Roos. Finishing with 17 disposals, including a equal team-high nine contested possessions, six marks, three tackles and a goal, Vickery has shown he will provide another element to a forward line that is already busting with talent.
Tom Mitchell opened his brown and gold career with a typically dominant performance. Collecting 26 disposals, six marks, five clearances and three tackles, the former Swan delighted fans with his hard-nosed and hard-running game style.
Read: Ty's turn for the better
If the JLT Series is anything to go by...
James Sicily may take on a more defensive role this year.
Having burst onto the AFL scene last year as a capable goal-kicker (kicking 30 goals from 22 games), it seems the 22-year old may be in line to show his wares in defence in season 2017 after two encouraging pre-season games. Sicily's strengths of being able to read the play as well as his strong hands suggest coach Alastair Clarkson's early-year trial could have great long-term rewards.
If the JLT Series is anything to go by...
Jack Gunston might play much higher up the ground this year.
Jack Gunston took a kick-in against North Melbourne on the weekend. It signified the license that has clearly been given to the two-time club leading goalkicker to seemingly roam where he pleases. Gathering 18 disposals, five marks, three rebound 50s and five inside 50s while still creating three albeit inaccurate shots at goal, Gunston displayed both the running ability and footy smarts to suggest that he will excel in this adjusted role.
