The stats

AFL games: 19

Disposals per game: 10.5

Marks: 3

Kicks: 4.9

Tackles: 2.6

Goals: 14

Review

Beginning to form an efficient combination in the ruck with Ben McEvoy, Ceglar’s season was abruptly cut short after rupturing his ACL in Hawthorn’s Round 22 loss to West Coast and requiring a knee reconstruction.

That injury will see him miss most, if not all, of the 2017 season in what is a major blow for the 25-year-old and the Hawks.

What Ceglar did produce this season however would have made Hawthorn fans breathe easier after the retirement of ruckman David Hale at the end of last year.

He divided his time between ruck duties and playing in the forward line, returning a solid 14 goals from his 19 games in 2016.

His contested marking was also a feature and provided the Hawks with a bail out option if they weren’t able to produce their characteristic short kicking game.

While he won’t take the field at the start of next year, Ceglar has shown enough to prove he is a valuable player and long-term ruckman for Hawthorn going forward.

A word from: Chris Fagan

Chis Fagan said at the time Ceglar hurt his knee:

“Jon’s been an important player for us and has really stepped up in the absence of David Hale this season,” Fagan said.

“It’s very disappointing for Jon. He’s a resilient bloke and I have no doubt he will be determined to attack his rehab and get back to footy as soon as he can.