Hawthorn Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Jackson Dwyer from the Baulkham Hills AFC in Sydney as their latest member of the NSW Scholarship Scheme.

Jackson is a 15 year-old onballer with outstanding athleticism and work ethic who has only played Australian Rules football in recent years after playing several other sports during his childhood.

Jackson’s efforts at the 2009 AFL (NSW/ACT) Under 15 State Zone Trials at St Ignatius College, Riverview were noted by a number of talent scouts from various AFL clubs with his running ability and courage impressing.

“Jackson Dwyer is a player much in the mould of a young Shane Crawford. His commitment to training and physical preparation is outstanding for a junior footballer,” said Chris Pelchen, Hawthorn’s General Manager Player Personnel and Strategy.

“While only a recent convert to AFL football, Jackson has impressed everyone at Hawthorn with his courageous attack on the ball and willingness to run at every opportunity.

“We feel that Jackson has all the attributes to develop into a talented onballer of the future; especially as he develops greater body size and strength,” Pelchen said.

As part of his NSW Scholarship with the Hawks, Jackson will undertake weekly training sessions with Hawthorn personnel and coaches in Sydney in addition to attending Hawthorn’s Waverley Park headquarters for specialist coaching each year. He will be eligible for listing with the Hawks prior to the AFL National Draft in 2012.

Jackson Dwyer joins Michael Johnston (Sydney), Trent Stubbs (Sydney), Will Langford (Sydney), Jack Mahony (Wollongong), Thomas Kickett (Broken Hill), Heath Caldwell (Broken Hill) and Dylan Stuart (Broken Hill) as members of the Hawthorn’s NSW Scholarship Scheme – following on from Will Sierakowski’s listing as a Rookie with the Hawks in 2009.