Almost as soon as he arrived at the Ricoh Centre, Jed Anderson became a fan favourite.
His pace, aggression and skill shone in his highlights package when the Club announced it had acquired him from Greater Western Sydney as a pre-listed player and fans couldn’t wait to get their first glimpse of him.
He impressed immediately on the training track with his professionalism and diligent training and had Coach Alastair Clarkson and Captain Luke Hodge forecasting an early season debut for the Northern Territory youngster before Christmas.
He slotted in perfectly during the NAB Cup series and played every game before being named for his debut in the Round 1 blockbuster against Geelong.
His first two games whet the appetite of fans but it was his Round 3 performance against Collingwood that truly showed his potential.
He had 16 disposals in Hawthorn’s win over the Pies, including three scoring shots for a return of 1.2
Anderson earned a rising star nomination for that performance.
A hamstring injury halted his momentum after that game, however, and forced him onto the sidelines for over a month before he returned through the VFL.
Before long, Anderson found his form and looked a level above as he pressed his case for senior selection but with the Hawthorn side on a roll and hard to break into, he had to bide his time and continue to put his best foot forward.
It was a challenge for the 19 year old in his first season, with many fans keen to get another glimpse into the future but he handled it brilliantly.
He averaged 15 disposals in eight matches with his run and clearance work particularly impressive.
A five goal haul and 24 disposals along with eight clearances against Coburg though, was the performance too good for Clarkson to overlook and Anderson forced his way back into the Hawthorn team in Round 22.
He had 16 disposals against the Kangaroos in that game and held his spot for the final home and away match against the Swans.
As the challenges kept being handed to him, he kept responding such is his strong-willed character.
He had an impact as the substitute in that game with a brilliant tackle and goal in the final quarter and did enough to earn himself a place in the Qualifying Final team the following week.
Again, he did himself no harm with a big mark and goal in Hawthorn’s win over Sydney to reach the Preliminary Final, but unfortunately missed out on selection.
Anderson was among four possible inclusions for Brendan Whitecross for the AFL Grand Final, such was his brilliant debut season and ability to stand up when the pressure is on.
He had 14 disposals, seven tackles and four clearances in the VFL Grand Final but unfortunately wasn’t named in the AFL’s decider.
Though he would have been disappointed, he would take solace in the fact he was a genuine chance to play in an AFL Grand Final in his first season at the elite level, testament to his positive attitude, professionalism and determination to succeed. Not to mention his undeniable star quality already evident at just 19 years of age.
They are all qualities that will see him prosper at Hawthorn and earn respect from his teammates and coaches.
The Club know he’s a player of the future – he signed a contract extension in mid-September.
What Chris Fagan said: "Another one of our debutants this year, he was nominated for the Rising Star and deservedly so.
"He was terribly unlucky to miss out on the Grand Final – he was one of four players who could have easily been in the team.
"He has made such an impact in his first year – he is really well respected by his senior teammates for his courage and his hardness and we think he’s going to be a really important player for us for a long period of time."
Anderson in the news in 2013
- Young gun Anderson extends contract
Videos featuring Anderson in 2013
- Qualifying Final highlights: Anderson beats two
- Rnd 23: Jed tackles and goals
