Watch Jack Gunston's highlights reel from the Round 16 match on HawksTV.

JACK Gunston's languid goalkicking action might be an extension of the Hawthorn forward as a player: smooth, uncomplicated and very effective.

The 19-year-old, who quit Adelaide last year to return home to Victoria, has made a big impact in his first season at the Hawks, but has done it with little fanfare or acclaim.

Against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, Gunston had 13 disposals and kicked four goals, his best tally in nine games in the brown and gold. But Gunston isn't the type to electrify crowds, at least not yet.

He is one to find space, lead at the ball and convert his opportunities - he has booted 12 goals in his past five games, including at least one in each of those matches.

Against the Bulldogs, with Lance Franklin missing with injury, Gunston became more of a focal point for the Hawks as they streamed out of defence and looked further afield. He seemed to be a target more often, and marked confidently when the ball was in his space.

But Gunston said it hadn't been hard finding his role in the Hawthorn forward line nestled somewhere next to or between Franklin and Jarryd Roughead. In fact, it had been made easier by their presence.

"As soon as I walked in [to the club], [Franklin] and Jarryd Roughead have been great for me and it's really fast-tracked the chemistry that we're starting to build up forward," Gunston said post-game.

"I love playing with everyone in the forward line and they definitely make it a lot easier for me."

Roughead told hawthornfc.com.au that Gunston's work up the field in being the leading target outside 50 had given the Hawks something new. Gunston was complementing his fellow forwards, not competing with them.

"He brings that lead-up style that Adelaide was known for in the past few years and he's slotted in nicely," Roughead said.

"It's something that 'Bud' and I haven't had in our back pockets because we probably play closer to goal."

At Hawthorn training Gunston is regularly working on his goalkicking, making sure he can make an impact from anywhere in his kicking range.

Roughead said Gunston's role hadn't been tweaked with Franklin out of the side, but perhaps the delivery to Gunston had changed.

"He's probably played like that in the past six weeks but when you've got Bud in your side he attracts a fair bit of the ball," Roughead said.

"As it happens, with Bud out of the side it opens up a few more targets for the midfielders to see. It was a good effort from Jack."

Callum Twomey is a reporter for the AFL website. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey