Harry Morrison
Drafted: Pick 74 in the National Draft
Jumper number: 35
2017 VFL Games: 8
2017 AFL Games: 0
VFL Statistical averages:
Disposals: 21 Marks: 7 Tackles: 4 Inside 50s: 2 Rebound 50s: 3
Total Goals: 1
Playing predominantly on a half-back flank, Morrison has taken little time in adjusting to the faster pace of VFL. Averaging 21 possessions throughout his eight games, the cousin of Brisbane Lion gun Tom Rockliff has been one of Box Hill’s most consistent performers throughout their successful first half of 2017. The former Murray Bushranger will look to continue this promising form as he seeks an AFL debut in the second half of the season.
Box Hill Senior Coach Chris Newman’s comments:
“His GPS numbers every week are really high, so his workrate is high and he also uses the ball well.” (after Box Hill’s Round 8 win over North Ballarat)
Read: VFL side remain undefeated despite Hawthorn's growing injury list
Mitchell Lewis
Drafted: Pick 76 in the National Draft
Jumper number: 39
2017 VFL Games: 8
2017 AFL Games: 0
VFL Statistical averages:
Disposals: 9 Marks: 3 Tackles: 3 Inside 50s: 2 Hit-outs: 2
Total Goals: 9
Another one of only three listed Hawks to have played every Box Hill game so far, Lewis has impressed the coaching staff with his attitude and appetite for the contest. Standing at 198cm tall, the 18-year old has split his playing time between forward and spells in the ruck. Lewis is averaging over a goal a game for Box Hill, whilst also kicking eight behinds, highlighting a strong ability to generate multiple scoring shots per game.
Newman’s comments:
“Mitch has got a good attitude, he loves to put defensive pressure on and he thrives on the contest. He is a young kid who continues to learn his craft and he will get better as he goes.” (after Box Hill’s Round 7 draw with Port Melbourne)
Oliver Hanrahan
Drafted: Pick 14 in the Rookie Draft
Jumper number: 41
2017 VFL Games: 3
2017 AFL Games: 0
VFL Statistical averages:
Disposals: 9 Marks: 3 Tackles: 2 Inside 50s: 3
Total Goals: 3
Hanrahan has endured a stop-start introduction to his AFL career. Having to wait until VFL Round 4 against Geelong to pull on the Box Hill jumper for the first time, Hanrahan only played one more full game before straining his hamstring a fortnight later. Despite his limited exposure at the state league level, Box Hill coaching staff have been impressed by Hanrahan’s abilities to play midfield and forward as well as his composure under pressure.
Newman’s comments:
“He played forward for the bulk of the first half before we threw him into the middle of the ground. In the second half he had 11 disposals, so he was quite damaging for us when he went on-ball. He added another element for us in terms of skill and poise around the footy. He also kicked two goals and had five inside 50s, so he’s starting to show some real improvement.” (after Box Hill’s Round 5 win over Richmond)
James Cousins
Drafted: Pick 46 in the Rookie Draft
Jumper number: 46
2017 VFL Games: 6
2017 AFL Games: 3
VFL Statistical averages:
Disposals: 24 Marks: 6 Tackles: 6 Inside 50s: 4 Rebound 50s: 3
Total Goals: 2
AFL Statistical averages:
Disposals: 13 Marks: 2 Tackles: 4 Inside 50s: 1 Rebound 50s: 1
Total Goals: 1
Showing some impressive and consistent VFL form, James Cousins presented himself to Hawks fans as a big-bodied, ball-getting midfielder who refused to take a backward step in the contest. After putting together a three-week period in which he averaged 27 possessions, seven marks and eight tackles for Box Hill, Cousins banged the door down for his AFL debut in Round 10 against Sydney. Having now played three senior games, Cousins has continued to hone his craft at the elite level whilst also spending more time forward.
Newman’s comments:
“He’s been really consistent throughout the season and he’s been really clean in the contest. It’s exciting because he’s got a lot of improvement too. His clearance work has been pretty good and particularly when under pressure he was quite clean and was able to provide some decent ball for us.” (after Box Hill’s Round 7 draw with Port Melbourne)
Hawthorn Midfield Coach Brett Ratten’s comments:
“He looks a real footballer, with a no-fuss, “go get ‘em” attitude. He’s very clean with the footy, he tackles hard and generally works hard around the contest. He’s a real stoppage player and I think, over time, he is going to develop into a big-bodied midfielder, which he is already showing the makings of but we think he has a bit more size to put on yet at just 19 years of age.”
Mid-season Hawks' quiz: Have you been paying attention?
Conor Nash
Drafted: Pre-rookie selection
Jumper number: 45
2017 VFL Games: 4
2017 AFL Games: 0
VFL Statistical averages:
Disposals: 9 Marks: 3 Tackles: 1 Rebound 50s: 2
Arriving from Navan, Ireland in late 2016, Conor Nash has been forced to learn the game as he goes this year for Box Hill. With a background in rugby, Nash’s competitiveness and ferocity in the contest has stood out for the coaching staff. Currently learning the caper from a key defensive post, Nash has also impressed with his sound kicking and general football skills. Having injured his hamstring during the Round 5 win over Richmond, the Irishman has been working hard on the tracking track as he eyes off both a VFL return and an AFL debut.
Box Hill Senior Coach Chris Newman’s comments:
“He competed well in the air when he had to. He’s getting better and better each week. He thrives on the contest, and obviously coming from a rugby background he enjoys that part of it. He’s also using the ball quite well, he had five kicks at 100% and his overall disposal efficiency was 90%.” (after Box Hill’s Round 4 win over Geelong)
Read: What will Hawthorn's father/son side of '34 look like?
