In his first season at the Club, forward Jack Gunston enjoyed an excellent season in which he emerged as a genuine marking option and dangerous forward for the Hawks.
His season got off to a slow start as he adjusted to the Hawthorn game style and given he’s still a youngster, at 21 years of age, his start to the 2012 season at his new club was understandable.
He earned his brown and gold debut in the opening round of the 2012 season, selected as the Hawks’ substitute against the Magpies. He had an immediate impact in just over a quarter, gathering seven disposals, laying a tackle and kicking a crucial goal.
It seemed Coach Alastair Clarkson was easing Gunston into his fresh start, again selecting him as the substitute in Round 2 before giving the youngster a full game in rounds three and four.
Modest returns of 10 and eight disposals respecivtely in those matches and just the one goal, saw Gunston dropped from the Hawthorn side not to re-emerge until Round 11.
In that time, Gunston’s load was reduced by coaches, given a match-day break before embarking on a strenuous training regimen that culminated in a seven goal return for the Club’s VFL affiliate, Box Hill.
General Manager - Football Operations, Mark Evans says the 21 year old’s attitude to omission was impressive.
“We rested him for a little while and gave him a training block and he has bounced back really well,” he said.
“It’s great to see young players pushing back in, and hopefully he gets back in sooner rather than later.”
And so he returned for the Hawks against the Power in Round 11, the beginning of a rich vein of form that had Hawks fans in raptures about “Gunstall”.
From Round 11 (to the Grand Final), Gunston was held goalless on just three occasions, averaging 2.4 goals in 15 matches.
His best though, was saved for when gun forward Lance Franklin was out with injury.
Gunston stepped up, and became the Hawks’ most dangerous forward booting 19 goals in the six games Franklin missed - an average of 3.1 per game.
It was his athleticism, overhead marking and ability to control the ball below his knees that made him such a dangerous player to his opposition.
During the finals series too, Gunston showed he can perform on the big stage, booting six goals in Hawthorn’s three finals.
It was an impressive debut season from Gunston who gradually built confidence and a relationship with Franklin and Jarryd Roughead that continued to blossom throughout the year.
He was rewarded for his standout season with the Best First Year Player award on Peter Crimmins Medal night, just reward for his hard work and ability to adjust quickly at his new club.
Now, with 33 matches under his belt, Hawks fans can expect to see the number 19 kicking lots of goals as he builds on his already impressive first year at the Club.
| GA | K | H | D | DE% | CP | UP | M | CL | T | I50 | G | PCM | |
| 2012 averages | 19 | 7.3 | 4.6 | 11.9 | 71 | 4.7 | 7.4 | 4.1 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 54 |
Gunston is already passionate about his new club, celebrating a goal in the Grand Final.
Gunston in the news in 2012
Gunston at home in nest Gunston stars in Box Hill win Hodge lauds forwards without BuddyVideos featuring Gunston in 2012
Buddy to Gunston for goal Gunston flies, Lewis goals How did you rate Gunston's 2012 season? Leave your view below.
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2012 Player Review
