With just five games left of the 2022 home-and-away season, there are several players well in the hunt for Hawthorn's most coveted honour – the Peter Crimmins Medal.

We’ve taken a look at the top five contenders who we believe to be in the mix for this year's best and fairest award. 

James Sicily

Games: 17

Disposal average: 23.2

After missing 18 months due to an ACL injury, James Sicily has re-emerged in 2022 arguably better than ever, with the star Hawk reaffirming himself among the league’s best defenders.

The 27-year-old, who has produced his career-best season in the brown and gold, is well poised to be a first-time All-Australian this year after dominating in Hawthorn's backline.

An ever-reliable force, Sicily has guided his side out of trouble countless times through his leadership and cool head under pressure.

He is ranked first in the competition for marks and rebound 50s, averaging 8.5 and 8.8 per game respectively, while also ranking 10th for spoils with an average of 7.3.

Aside from his on-field performance, Sicily has demonstrated his leadership qualities in 2022, spending a significant stint as stand-in captain in the absence of Ben McEvoy.

Given his consistency throughout the year, Sicily is in a strong position to notch up the votes in this year’s count.

Jai Newcombe

Games: 17

Disposal average: 21.9

Goals: 4

Jai Newcombe has bolted out of the blocks in 2022, rising from anonymity to one of the biggest surprise stories this season.

The youngster is likely to pick up a handful of votes early on in the count following on from his brilliant start to the season.

Newcombe became a favourite for the Rising Star after earning a nomination in Round 5 following a career-best 31 disposal performance against Geelong.

The 20-year-old has averaged 21.9 disposals a game (+13 from 2021), 4.2 marks (+1.75), 3.8 clearances (+2.1) and is in the top 30 in the AFL for total tackles (24th).

Best afield in numerous games for his side, Newcombe ranks first for total tackles, pressure acts and inside 50s, while also ranking third for total disposals.

The fan-favourite’s breakout campaign in the brown and gold is sure to earn him considerable votes in the count.

Could he join the likes of teammate James Worpel as one of the club’s youngest best and fairest winners?

Mitch Lewis

Games: 13

Disposal average: 11.8

Total goals: 36

Recruited by Hawthorn as Pick 76 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, Mitch Lewis has emerged as a star in 2022.

Despite missing four games this season due to injury, the 23-year-old has forged a career-best season kicking 36 goals from 13 games.  

Lewis has slotted three or more majors on nine occasions this year, including two five-goal hauls against Port Adelaide and Adelaide.

Only Charlie Curnow (3.1 goals) – who is leading the Coleman Medal race on 53 goals – and Jeremy Cameron (2.9) – are averaging more than Lewis' 2.8 per outing, which places him in equal-third alongside Tom Lynch and Taylor Walker.

Lewis converts his shots on goal at 66.7 per cent – the second highest of anyone who has kicked 21 or more goals in 2022.

Arguably one of the most improved Hawks this year, Lewis looks set on stealing some votes in this year's count.

Dylan Moore

Games: 17

Disposal average: 19.4

Total goals: 23

Dylan Moore has emerged as one of the surprise packets of the 2022 season. 

After finishing fourth in last year’s count following a breakout season in 2021 that ignited his career, Moore has taken his game to a new level this year. 

Averaging a career-high 19.4 touches across 17 games so far this year, the 23-year-old is ranked ‘elite’ according to Champion Data for disposals, kicks, handballs, marks and tackles.

He has kicked 23 goals so far this season, which includes a career-best four goals in his side’s Easter Monday win against Geelong earlier this year.  

Despite recently spending more time in the midfield, Moore has only been left goalless on just three occasions this season.

Playing his role week in and week out, Moore is one of four Hawks – alongside Sicily, Newcombe and Blake Hardwick – to have played every game this year.

A favourite among the brown and gold faithful, Moore has become one of the Hawks most important and reliable players in 2022.

Tom Mitchell

Games: 16

Disposal average: 28.1

Goals: 4

Having taken out the prized honour in 2017, 2018 and last year, Tom Mitchell is again back in the best and fairest discussions this year. 

Mitchell has continued to look at home around the contest and has been a model of consistency in 2022, averaging a team-high 28.1 disposals per game. 

He has produced six games of 30 or more disposals, while also averaging 3.4 inside 50s and 4.5 tackles a game.

Despite playing a less central role this year, Mitchell still leads the club for total clearances and contested possessions in 2022.

The 29-year-old has continued to provide a strong presence and great mentorship for the club’s first-year players in a new era under coach Sam Mitchell.

With three Peter Crimmins Medals already to his name, the 2018 Brownlow Medallist - who has played every game except one this year - could be eyeing back-to-back medals. 

The Peter Crimmins Medal is back in person this October for the first time since 2019. 

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