The stats

AFL games: 14

Disposals per game: 8.8

Marks: 2.8

Kicks: 4.9

Tackles: 2.2

Goals: 12

Review
Young forward Tim O’Brien continued his development this season, building on four AFL appearances in 2015 to record 14 games at senior level this year.

Having started the season behind the likes of Jarryd Roughead, Ryan Schoenmakers and Matt Spangher, O’Brien forged his way into the Hawthorn side through a combination of injuries to Schoenmakers and Spangher as well as good VFL form.

Providing a useful foil for the likes of Jack Gunston and James Sicily, O’Brien was able to hit the scoreboard in the majority of his AFL appearances this season.

He was also used as a defender at various stages, showing his ability to play at either end of the ground.

His best performance was against Melbourne in Round 10, when he was able to kick two goals from ten disposals on a day where tall forwards struggled in wet and slippery conditions.

While the Hawks preferred to play the more experienced Schoenmakers in the back end of the season, O’Brien will be keen for more AFL opportunities next year.

A word from: Brett Ratten

“It was a big year for Tim, he played 14 games and what was really exciting was the way he launched at the ball in some of his games, taking some great contested or one-on-one marks.

“He showed he’s a great link player between the arcs for us, helping the likes of Gunston who don’t have to work up the ground all the time as a result.

“He provided some really good assistance for Gunston, Sicily and McEvoy when he was forward at times, so 14 games is a good return and he should build on that next year.”