Ending his first year in brown and gold with an AFL premiership medal was probably beyond Jonathan Simpkin’s wildest dreams but as of 28 September, it was his reality.

Simpkin played in two premierships in two weeks; one with Box Hill and one with Hawthorn – just reward for his positive and professional attitude throughout the year.

That attitude was best displayed when he refused to give up on earning a place in the AFL Grand Final side despite not having played in the senior team since Round 20.

While many predicted Shane Savage, Jed Anderson or Taylor Duryea would get the call-up for the injured Brendan Whitecross, it was Simpkin who shone in the VFL Grand Final victory by winning the Norm Goss Medal for best afield and subsequently win the spot.

It was that performance, along with his ability to play a variety of roles plus his impressive performances as the side’s substitute that ultimately earned him a place in what would turn out to be the premiership team.

It was an impressive debut season for the Hawks from the 26 year old who played 14 matches and became Alastair Clarkson’s super sub.

When he arrived at the Ricoh Centre after being cut by Geelong and recruited as a Delisted Free Agent, he impressed almost immediately with his form on the training track over the pre-season.

His hard work paid off during the pre-season competition with good performances in the NAB Cup as he showed he could accumulate possessions, use the ball well and apply great tackling pressure when needed.

He was unlucky not to play in Round 1 but got his opportunity in Round 6 where he made his debut for the Club against Adelaide and AAMI Stadium.

That would be the first time he was used as the sub and despite the nerves that would have no doubt been present, he had an impact in the tough and tight final term against the Crows to help the team to victory.

From there, Simpkin was used as the sub a further six times to take his total to seven games as the sub in his 14 matches but when looking at the stats sheet, you’d barely know it.

When he was the sub, Simpkin averaged 10.7 disposals in just over a quarter of footy. He has the uncanny knack to have an influence in a short period of time and became Clarkson’s go-to man when he needed an impact player.

His best performance as the sub came in the Round 14 win over Brisbane when he gathered 18 disposals, laid four tackles and kicked a goal in the victory.

But while he was undoubtedly a brilliant impact player for the Hawks, that role shouldn’t be outdone by his performances when not given the green vest.

He gathered 20 disposals and was one of the best on ground against Essendon before being subbed out at three-quarter time in that game and was among the best in the victory over Gold Coast in Round 9 with 33 disposals.

When he wasn’t the sub, Simpkin averaged 21.7 dispsoals and showed that he can be a damaging midfielder who knows how to find the footy.

He showed that too in his matches for the Club’s VFL affiliate, as he played 10 matches for Box Hill during the year.

He was named in the best in six of his 10 games and averaged 24.1 disposals. He gathered 20 or more touches in each of his 10 games too but he saved his best for last when he had 26 disposals and kicked two goals in the VFL Grand Final victory.

It seems Simpkin has finally found a home at his third AFL club and the challenge now for him is to cement his place in Hawthorn’s best 22. He can win his own ball and use it well on the outside and will again be a valuable contributor for the Hawks next season.

What Chris Fagan said: “He is probably the ‘super sub’ of the AFL, statistically he is anyway – he gets more possessions for time on ground than any other player.

“It’s a great story that one week you can play in a VFL Grand Final and the next week you’re in an AFL Grand Final and win two premierships in two weeks.

“He has been a valuable acquisition to our club – he was a good sub and when he’s not playing that role he can come on and find the footy.

“He’ll get a lot of confidence out of this year and hopefully his career will grow at our club.”