HAWTHORN forward Jack Gunston will play his 50^th AFL match if selected for Friday night’s match against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

Gunston played 14 matches for Adelaide before requesting a trade back to his home state and more specifically, to Hawthorn at the end of the 2011 season.

He arrived at the Hawks to much fanfare, with Hawthorn hoping he could be another tall marking option alongside dynamic duo Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin.

The youngster’s talent has always been impressive, and now, at 22 years of age, he is maturing into a versatile player capable of being damaging both in the air and on the ground.

In his 49 matches, Gunston has become widely known as one of the most reliable shots in front of goal, having kicked 23.13 in 16 matches this year.

He was recruited by the Crows with selection 29 overall in the 2009 National Draft and was acquired by the Hawks for picks 24, 46 and 64 in the 2010 National Draft.