Jacob Koschitzke is a star on the rise – a fact solidified by the announcement of his Round 6 NAB Rising Star nomination.
In just his fifth AFL game, the 20-year-old enjoyed a day out at UTAS Stadium, igniting the Tassie home crowd with his blistering five-goal performance over the Crows – an outing that included a three-goal opening term, a game-high nine marks and an equal game-high three contested marks.
Joining the Hawks via Pick 52 in the 2018 National Draft, Koschitzke completed a two-year apprenticeship with Box Hill before finally receiving a senior call up in Round 1 this year.
He spent much of his first two seasons in defence, shifting to the forward line in late 2020 – a move that now seems inspired given his recent rapid rise.
Hawthorn Head of Football Rob McCartney said Koschitzke’s development was a pleasing sign for the future at Hawthorn.
“A Rising Star nomination is a great achievement for Jacob and reward for effort for the work he has put into his career so far, particularly over this recent pre-season,” said McCartney.
“Our list has undergone a significant transformation since last year. To see our young guys taking their opportunity and proving themselves at the elite level is an encouraging sign for the future.
“We look forward to seeing Jacob continue his development as he gets more AFL games under his belt.”
Read: Kosi also receives MVP nod
Koschitzke is the Hawks' first official Rising Star nomination of 2021, following the likes of Will Day, Mitch Lewis, James Worpel and Harry Morrison who have each received the nod in recent years.
