6. Josh Gibson

It’s been another hugely consistent season so far for dual Peter Crimmins Medallist Josh Gibson.

The star backman has again been among the Hawks’ best performers, playing a variety of roles inside defensive 50.

Averaging more than 21 disposals per game, Gibson has been able to find plenty of the ball – and use it effectively – to complement his defensive strengths.

He played his 200th game in the Hawks’ win against Melbourne.

Key moment: Gibson was his typical self in game 200, but it was his performance against West Coast Eagles in Round 2 that shone brightest. He collected a career-best 44 disposals, and floated forward to kick a drought-breaking goal.

AFL matches: 13
Disposals per game: 21.1
Goals: 2
Marks: 90 (2nd at Hawthorn)
Disposal efficiency: 83.9 per cent (3rd at Hawthorn)
One-percenters: 120 (1st at Hawthorn)

12. James Frawley

Now in his second year as a Hawk, key defender James Frawley continues to grow in importance for the Hawks.

With the retirement of Brian Lake at the end of 2015, Frawley has taken on the big forwards week-in, week-out, building on a superb 2015 finals series to be a consistent contributor this year.

He rarely allows goals to be kicked on him – and has rarely been beaten this year.

Key moment: It’s hard to pick just one. Frawley was brilliant against Geelong and Tom Hawkins in Round 1, just as good against West Coast and Josh Kennedy in Round 2, and perhaps even better in wet conditions against his former side in Round 11.

AFL matches: 13
Disposals per game: 13.8
Disposal efficiency: 86.7 per cent (1st at Hawthorn)
Rebound 50s: 37 (2nd at Hawthorn)
One-percenters: 91 (3rd at Hawthorn)

24. Ben Stratton

An ever-reliable member of the Hawks’ back six, Ben Stratton will no doubt be in All Australian contention.

Capable of playing on – and beating – both small and tall forwards, Stratton is having another extremely consistent year.

He ranks second at the Hawks for one-percenters and Is the ultimate team player. As a leader, he continues to grow, and the Hawks will be hoping Stratton can maintain his output in the second half of the year.

Key moment: Stratton has played some brilliant shut down roles this season, but his best was probably in Round 3, when he completely blanketed star Bulldog Jake Stringer to have a massive impact on the result.

AFL matches: 14
Disposals per game: 13.1
One-percenters: 98 (2nd at Hawthorn)

27. Matt Spangher

It’s been a similar story to 2015 for Matt Spangher, with injury preventing him from playing consistently.

A restricted pre-season kept Spangher out of action early, before he strung together a handful of matches at VFL level.

Unfortunately Spangher’s AFL return – against Brisbane Lions – didn’t go to plan, with the key defender injuring his hamstring in the opening minutes.

With another period of rehab ahead of him, Spangher will be hopeful of a return later in the home and away season to push his case for finals action.

AFL matches: 1
VFL matches: 4

30. Kaiden Brand

Kaiden Brand has gone from strength-to-strength in 2016, displaying some real potential as a key defender.

After missing all of 2015 with dual shoulder reconstructions, the 22-year-old has returned to footy in 2016, making his AFL debut and playing four senior matches.

Brand hasn’t looked out of place in the Hawks’ experienced back six after making his debut against Richmond, and has also spent time developing his versatility in the VFL.

He returned to face Gold Coast Suns, and will be looking to lock down his spot after the bye.

AFL matches: 4
Disposals per game: 11.8

VFL matches: 6

34. Kurt Heatherley

There’s no doubting Kurt Heatherley will have his eye on a senior debut in the second half of 2016.

The New Zealander has been one of Box Hill Hawks’ most consistent performers this year after being upgraded to the senior list at the end of 2015, holding down a key defensive post with aplomb.

While still developing, Heatherley’s intercept marking has been a feature at VFL level, and he’s starting to find more of the footy.

VFL matches: 10