Expect Gunston to play
The Hawks are confident that 19-year-old recruit Jack Gunston will become a regular member of the senior team in 2012
HAWTHORN is confident that 19-year-old recruit Jack Gunston will become a regular member of the club's senior team in 2012.
The Hawks secured Gunston from Adelaide on day three of trade week after exchanging a number of draft picks with the Crows.
"We went into trade week with that as a priority for us, so it's good to get it done," Hawthorn football manager Mark Evans told afl.com.au Trade Week Radio.
"[National recruiting manager] Graham Wright has done a terrific job to do that."
Gunston made his debut in 2010 and played 12 games for the Crows this season, booting 19 goals.
"[We] identified him a couple of years ago in the draft and really liked the way he played," Evans said.
"We thought he had a promising future.
"He probably has the ability to play the half-forward role or wing or half-back.
"We felt that was a need for us in the future and we're delighted to pick him up."
Having given up its first pick in November's NAB AFL Draft to secure Gunston, Hawthorn's first selection will now be No. 53.
Evans also announced that 23-year-old midfielder Xavier Ellis, who was pick three in the 2005 national draft, has signed a new contract with the club.
"That is correct," Evans said. "We have agreed terms with Xavier."