The stats

AFL games: 24

Disposals per game: 16

Marks: 6.4

Kicks: 10.8

Tackles: 3

Goals: 51

Review

Gunston was the main man in the Hawthorn forward line this season in unfortunate circumstances, but handled the extra attention from opposition defenders magnificently.

Finishing as the Hawks’ leading goal kicker for the season with 51 majors, Gunston showed he was just as effective without the presence of Jarryd Roughead and demonstrated an ability to get up and down the ground with ease.

He was used as a loose man in defence when required, and also regularly swept up and down the wings to provide a lead up target for his midfielders.

In a move which coach Alastair Clarkson has deployed with Roughead in the past, Gunston was also found attending centre bounces at various stages throughout the season, in an attempt to throw different combinations of midfielders and forwards at the opposition.

A season-high bag of five goals against GWS was certainly an individual highlight, along with 18 disposals, 11 marks and four goals against the Sydney Swans in Round 9.

Hawthorn found an incredibly even spread of goal kickers across their side, with Gunston, Cyril Rioli, Luke Breust, Paul Puopolo and James Sicily all kicking 30 or more goals for the year – a big positive for Hawthorn.

At just 24 years of age, Gunston is one of the premier tall forwards in the game, and will continue to be a focal point for the Hawks for a number of years to come.

A word from: Brett Ratten

“Gunners had a great season with 51 goals, but he also took on a leadership role without Roughie in the team and really guided the other forwards and set them up how we wanted to play.

“So he hasn’t just grown as a footballer he’s grown as a leader and had a great season.

“The positive is he’s still only a young footballer at 24.”