8. Taylor Duryea

Taylor Duryea has been another solid contributor for the Hawks in defence this season.

The small defender has had a balance between his rebound work and also his ability to play shut down roles.

Duryea leads the Hawks for rebound 50s and has averaged upwards of 17 disposals per game in 2016, to back up his strong 2015 finals campaign.

Key moment: Duryea was absolutely brilliant in Round 13 against North Melbourne. He had 17 disposals – including a game-high seven rebound 50s – while putting the clamps on Kangaroos star Brent Harvey.

AFL matches: 13
Disposals per game: 17.2
Goals: 1
Rebound 50s: 43 (1st at Hawthorn)

9. Shaun Burgoyne

He’s only a few months away from turning 34, but Shaun Burgoyne remains as influential as ever.

With his ability to play across every line, Burgoyne’s contribution and consistency for the Hawks in 2016 has again been important.

Burgoyne averages 18.4 disposals per game, but it’s his ability to float forward and kick a clutch goal, or have an impact in short bursts at critical times that is a true measure of his class.

Key moment: Burgoyne has provided plenty of pivotal plays in 2016, but it’s hard to look past #Silk300 – when the Hawks got over the line in a thriller against Adelaide.

AFL matches: 14
Disposals per game: 18.4
Goals: 4
Tackles: 73 (3rd at Hawthorn)

14. Grant Birchall

Grant Birchall has been at his very best over the past five weeks, playing key roles in wins against Brisbane Lions, Melbourne, Essendon, North Melbourne and Gold Coast Suns.

With his ability to read the game and set up play off half back, the Hawks try to get the ball in Birchall’s hands as often as possible.

He’s averaging close to 23 disposals per game in 2016 – ranking in the top three in a number of important stats, including rebound 50s and disposal efficiency.

Key moment: Birchall’s best performance was arguably last week’s match against Gold Coast Suns. The 28-year-old was scintillating off half back, racking up 12 marks and 28 disposals at almost 90 per cent efficiency.

AFL matches: 14
Disposals per game: 22.7
Uncontested poss. per game: 17.7 (3rd at Hawthorn)
Goals: 1
Handballs: 144 (3rd at Hawthorn)
Marks: 85 (3rd at Hawthorn)
Disposal efficiency: 86.2 per cent (2nd at Hawthorn)
Rebound 50s: 35 (3rd at Hawthorn)

17. Angus Litherland

It’s a tough backline to break into, but Angus Litherland has been able to make five solid appearances at AFL level this season.

Similar to Duryea, Litherland has played both lock-down roles and been able to offer run and rebound out of defence.

When he hasn’t been in the AFL side, he has more often than not been among Box Hill’s best – and will be determined to try to push for a regular senior spot in the run to finals.

AFL matches: 5
Disposals per game: 11.8

VFL matches: 7

41. Daniel Howe

After making his debut last year as a first-year player, Daniel Howe has featured in nine senior games this season and is fast becoming a regular.

With his ability to play across half back or through the middle, Howe offers excellent versatility and an uncompromising attack on the footy.

The challenge for Howe in the second half of the season will be to maintain his spot in the side, however he continues to improve with each game.

Key moment: Howe kicked his first goal in Round 6 against the Giants, but his best moment was arguably a crucial tackle against Melbourne in Round 11. With three-quarter time fast approaching and the game in the balance, Howe laid a crunching tackle at half back to prevent a likely Dees score.

AFL matches: 9
Disposals per game: 14.7
Goals: 1

VFL matches: 3

42. Teia Miles

Teia Miles has been one of Box Hill’s most consistent performers in 2016.

Playing predominantly as a rebounding defender – but with the ability to swing forward and impact the scoreboard – Miles has found plenty of the footy and used it well.

The second-year player continues to improve, has been close to senior selection and will be pushing to make his AFL debut later this year if he continues his strong form.

VFL matches: 10

45. Jermaine Miller-Lewis

One of the biggest improvers at the club this year has been Jermaine Miller-Lewis.

After playing in the Box Hill development side last year, the second-year rookie has stepped up to be an important member of Box Hill’s senior side in 2016.

A move to half-back has brought out the best in Miller-Lewis, and he’s proven he can take the game on, use the ball well by foot and have a big impact defensively too.

VFL matches: 9