The stats

AFL games: 6

Disposals per game: 21.5

Marks: 2

Kicks: 6.8

Tackles: 4

Total goals: 1

Review

After spending four years at the Gold Coast Suns, Jaeger O’Meara arrived at Hawthorn eyeing a new start to his career.

As it happened, the 23-year old played a total of six games for the Hawks this year, as knee troubles continued to interrupt the talented midfielder’s return to the game.

Yet those six matches were enough for Hawks fans to catch a glimpse of what the Western Australian is capable of.

O’Meara’s best game came in Round 2 against Adelaide, when he gathered 36 disposals, 19 of which were contested, and four clearances in a losing side.

The on-baller’s then did not play another full game in the seniors until Round 22 against Carlton.

In the final game of the year against the Western Bulldogs, O’Meara played his 50^th game and was one of the best players afield, as he collected 25 possessions and laid a ferocious game-high of 11 tackles.

Despite not enjoying the injury-free year that he would have hoped for, O’Meara will take a lot of confidence from the fact he was able to put a strong fortnight together to finish this year.

A word from: Brett Ratten

“It was great to see Jaeger finish off the year in the seniors. 

“In the Bulldogs game (in Round 23) he had 25 possessions but it wasn’t so much him winning the ball but also his 11 tackles were something that we were really happy to see. His work in tight is fantastic.

“He will get some real confidence by playing those last two games and finishing the season off so well.

“He is fit and ready to go and he has been a welcome addition to our footy club. He is going to benefit enormously from another preseason, and he will understand our game plan and everything as well so he will be a big plus for us in 2018.”

Read: Isaac Smith's season in review