With the 2014 season now complete, hawthornfc.com.au will review the season of those who played a senior game for the Hawks in 2014 with the help of GM - Football Operations, Chris Fagan.

2014 finally saw a change in luck for young midfielder Alex Woodward, who finally enjoyed a near full season without injury.

Hawthorn and its fans have been forced to wait patiently for a glimpse of Woodward’s potential after successive knee reconstructions since his arrival at the end of 2011, but it was worth the wait.

In his first full season, Woodward earned his senior debut after a string of impressive and consistently outstanding performances for VFL affiliate Box Hill, in which he averaged 23 disposals and six tackles per game.

Consistently named in the best, Woodward was finally given his chance at senior level, earning his debut in the blockbuster Round 18 clash against Sydney at the MCG.

Although named as sub, Woodward came on in the final term and showed he was already capable of playing at the level, with his clean ball handling and ball-winning ability shining.

He played two games for the Hawks in his debut season, backing up his debut in Round 19 with a solid outing against the Bulldogs in Tasmania before returning to the VFL as Alastair Clarkson opted for a more senior line-up heading into finals.

Woodward played 13 games in the VFL and such was the outstanding nature of his year that he was rewarded by winning the highest individual honour in the second-tie competition, the J. J. Liston Trophy as the best and fairest player.

Woodward picked up the three votes in the final two games of the year in the 53-point win over Bendigo and the 129-point win over Northern Blues to clinch victory thanks to his 29 disposals against the former and 28 and two goals against the Blues.

His other standout performances were a 21-disposal effort against Essendon in Round 13 and 26 touches and 10 tackles in the narrow win over then league-leaders Footscray in Round 14.

Originally drafted by the Hawks with pick 53 in the 2011 National Draft as an in and under midfielder, Woodward will gain confidence from his first full season of footy and look to build on that in 2015.

What GM – Footy Chris Fagan said: “He was able to make his debut after two knee recos – he has probably been the most unlucky player at our footy club over the last few years.

“He earned his debut against the Swans in Round 18 and won the Liston Trophy in the VFL as the fairest and best player so that will give him a lot of confidence.

“He’s an intense competitor and incredibly brave, so you’d expect that he’ll start to emerge next year and make even more of a contribution for us.”

 

Alex Woodward in the news in 2014
- Woodward wins VFL best and fairest
- ‘I was there for a free meal’: Woodward on winning the Liston Trophy
- The day Woodward’s dream came true
- Woodward, Bailey share special bond

Videos featuring Alex Woodward in 2014
- Woodward’s special jumper presentation
- Woodward proud to win J. J. Liston Trophy
- Alex Woodward on number 39
- Long road for Alex Woodward
- #everymoment: Woodward