AFL games: 12

Disposals per game: 16.1

Marks: 4.4

Kicks: 9.2

Tackles: 3.6

Total goals: 1

Read: Birch to depart the Hawks

Daniel Howe didn’t have the best start to his 2019, with some of his pre-season spent on the sidelines because of a hip concern.

After spending a few weeks in the VFL, the 23-year-old came back into the senior side and had an impressive second half of the year, playing seven consecutive games.

While his season may not have been statistically his best, he was able to prove himself by playing a bigger role in defence and shutting down the opposition.

Howe’s most promising performance was in Hawthorn’s Round 18 win over Geelong.

Along with Worpel, Shiels and O’Meara, Howe was able to cut out the impact of the Cats’ midfield, to play a pivotal role in the win, collecting 25 possessions and five rebound 50s.