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.
Upgraded from the rookie list at the end of last year, developing ruckman Jonathon Ceglar surprised many this season by almost becoming a premiership ruckman for the Hawks.
Given the opportunity to perform at senior level due to injury to Ben McEvoy in rounds 3 and 4 and again in Round 11, Ceglar grabbed his chance with both hands, with his form demanding senior selection.
His form came as a surprise to many, given he arrived at the Hawks with little fanfare ahead of the 2013 season after being delisted by Collingwood – picked up in the rookie draft on the recommendation of ruck coach, Damian Monkhorst.
His development fast tracked in 2014 after playing just two senior games in 2013 to the point where he became Hawthorn’s number one big man and was desperately unlucky to miss out on the premiership.
The 23 year old played 15 games this season, averaging 11.9 disposals, 18.9 hit outs, 3.3 marks and even contributed eight goals.
Ceglar’s performances between rounds 10 and 18 were exceptional but one of his best came in Round 13 when he had 16 disposals, 22 hit outs and kicked two goals.
He was also brilliant against the Suns in Round 15 with 37 hit outs, 14 disposals and a goal.
Omitted in Round 19, Ceglar went back to the VFL and showed he was a class above the second-tier level and within a month, he again pushed McEvoy out of the Hawthorn side.
In those three games for Box Hill, Ceglar averaged a massive 35.3 hit outs, 17 disposals, 5.3 marks, 3.3 tackles and just under two goals a game, named in the best in each of those three games.
Alastair Clarkson couldn’t ignore his form and gave him the nod for the Round 22 clash against Geelong where he impressed again with 23 hit outs, 10 disposals, three tackles and a goal.
That effort was enough to cement his spot as the number one ruckman for Round 23 and the first two finals – Qualifying and Preliminary.
A drop in form against the Power in the Preliminary Final, combined with a string of dominant McEvoy performances in the VFL, however, cost him a spot in the Grand Final.
While disappointed, Ceglar was commended by Clarkson and GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan for the way in which he handled himself during a week of personal disappointment.
It is a challenge though Ceglar will now need to face up to, to bounce back from that disappointment and come back bigger and better in 2015.
What GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said: “‘Cegs’ had a great year even though I know he’d be disappointed on missing out on the Grand Final. When he sits back and looks at his year though, he should feel good about what he’s achieved and that he’s put himself into a position where he can really develop into one of the game’s good ruckmen.
“That’s his challenge now that he has to face up to over the pre-season and he will. He would have got a lot of belief from the season and that’s important because he was vital for us at different stages during the year.”
Jonathon Ceglar in the news in 2014
- Four-way ruck fight doesn’t faze Ceglar
- VFL: Ceglar, Cheney star in loss to Magpies
- VFL: Ceglar, Grimley star in Box Hill win
Videos featuring Jonathon Ceglar in 2014:
#everymoment: Ceglar
Jonathon Ceglar celebrates one of his eight goals this season.
