We spoke to Hawthorn’s Elite Performance Manager Andrew Russell, to find out which of our Hawks have stepped up their game heading into the 2017 season.
Name: Jack Gunston
Age: 25
Guernsey: 19
Senior games (2016): 24
Senior games (career): 127
Average disposals 2016: 14.8
Jack Gunston took to the field in all 24 of Hawthorn’s 2016 games.
Ever reliable in front of goal, Gunston averaged 2.1 goals for the season. His best return came in the Hawks’ Round 6 loss to GWS, when he finished with a bag of five. The following week against Richmond, his four goals and 15 disposals earnt him two Brownlow votes.
Though he experienced a successful 2016, Andrew Russell has already noticed Gunston making improvements during the current pre-season.
“He has really improved his strength and his power to become an even stronger key forward.”
“He had a few interruptions in his preparation last year and he still played really well, but this year he’s had a really good preparation, so we can expect to see a more powerful player this year.”
Since the departure of Mitchell and Lewis at the end of the 2016 season, many have highlighted the need for the mid-age players to assume greater leadership responsiblities going forward.
According to Russell, Gunston has risen to the challenge.
“His leadership has gone to a completely new level.”
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