HAWTHORN Captain Luke Hodge has flagged a 2013 AFL debut for midfielder Jed Anderson after the youngster has impressed teammates and coaches on the track over pre-season.
18 year old Anderson joined the Club during last October’s trade period, after he was pre-listed by Greater Western Sydney and on-traded to Hawthorn in a deal that saw defender and 2008 premiership player Stephen Gilham depart.
Since joining the Hawks, the 181cm midfielder has participated in full training, impressing with his speed and skills by hand and foot.
Hodge says the former Northen Territory Thunder player has stood out amongst a strong and fit group of Hawks on the track over summer.
“When you’ve got 40 guys out there, there are going to be a number of guys who stand out and step up,” Hodge told hawthornfc.com.au
“As a young guy, Jed Anderson is someone who has gotten through most of the pre-season (and impressed).
“He played in the Indigenous side against Richmond and was outstanding from all reports.”
Such has been his impressive pre-season, Hodge believes Anderson will make his debut for Hawthorn this season.
“I can’t wait for him to get his first game for Hawthorn, I’ve got no doubt it’ll be at some stage this year, which is really exciting,” he said.
Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson too has been impressed with the Hawks youngster, predicting both fans of Hawthorn and the AFL will know the name Jed Anderson by season’s end.
“No one knows too much about Jed Anderson at the moment but we’re hoping that by the end of the year everyone will know him,” he told SEN radio.
“He’s had a great summer for us and I reckon he’ll feature at some point throughout the year for us.”
Midfielders Brad Sewell and Jordan Lewis and, defender Ryan Schoenmakers are among others to impress Hodge over pre-season.
Schoenmakers in particular has caught the eye of onlookers, as he attempts to hold down a key defensive post alongside Josh Gibson and recruit Brian Lake.
Without too many injury concerns, the Hawks look in peak physical condition ahead of its opening pre-season matches against Gold Coast and Brisbane at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.
“Sewell has been very good (on the track), Jordan Lewis is looking really fit and Schoenmakers is looking very fit as well,” Hodge said.
“There’s plenty of guys who have gone through and I couldn’t really pick just one out of the bunch who have really impressed.
“The guys are training well, we’ve had close to 40 guys on the track for almost every session, which is great numbers especially leading into the NAB Cup game this week.
“To have most of the guys push through almost the whole pre-season is great for us and has set us up for a competitive year.”
