Hawthorn will crown its 2024 Peter Crimmins Medallist on Saturday night at Crown Palladium, with a host of club awards also up for grabs.
We list who could be in the running for Most Promising, Most Improved, Most Courageous, Best Clubman, Best Player in Finals and the peer-voted Lethal Award.
(Note: the players listed in this article are determined solely by the author and have no bearing on the awards being adjudicated.)
Most Promising
2023 winner: Josh Weddle
Calsher Dear
From Pick 56 to 17 games in his debut year, Calsher Dear could be in contention for Hawthorn’s Most Promising player. The 19-year-old played his first game for the Hawks in Round 8 and didn’t look back, kicking 25 goals for the year. He then went on to have a solid finals series, following in the footsteps of his late father Paul, who won the Norm Smith Medal in 1991. Dear was recognised for his impressive season with a Rising Star nomination in Round 23 after his three-goal performance against Richmond.
Nick Watson
Nick Watson was a constant energetic presence in Hawthorn’s forward line from Round 1 to the Semi Final. Selected with Pick 5 in the 2023 national draft, the 19-year-old kicked 25 majors from his 18 games and earned a Rising Star nomination in Round 19 for his three goals against Collingwood. Like Dear, Watson continued to shine in Hawthorn’s finals series, kicking a career-best four goals against the Western Bulldogs before adding another three against Port Adelaide.
Massimo D’Ambrosio
Coming across from Essendon in last year’s trade period, Massimo D’Ambrosio made an instant impact in Hawthorn colours. After suiting up for a total of 16 games across the past two seasons, the 21-year-old played every possible game for the Hawks, adding another 24 matches to his career tally. D’Ambrosio was rated among the best wingers in the competition throughout the season, culminating in selection for the 2024 All Australian squad.
Most Improved
2023 winner: Conor Nash
Jack Scrimshaw
The winner of the award in 2020, Jack Scrimshaw took his game to another level this year. Scrimshaw was able to combine his speed, endurance, smarts and his ability to lock down key forwards across his 24 games. The 26-year-old also ranked elite in average disposals (18.1), contested possessions (6.2) and score involvements (3.3).
Lloyd Meek
Lloyd Meek had a career-best season in 2024, playing 21 matches and averaging 36.1 hit-outs, 10.6 hit-outs to advantage and 14.5 disposals. The 26-year-old started the season playing for Box Hill, but emerged as one of Hawthorn’s key players throughout the year. One of Meek’s breakout games came against his old team Fremantle in Round 18 where he recorded a career-best 51 hit-outs to go with his 15 disposals.
Connor Macdonald
Like Meek, Macdonald also had a career-best season in 2024, averaging career-highs in average disposals (17.4), score involvements (6.2) and marks (5.3). The 21-year-old showcased his talents as a forward, kicking 28 goals from his 25 games, including a career-best four majors against Collingwood in Round 19. He also notched up his 50th game in his third season, highlighting his consistency across his career to date.
Most Courageous
2023 winner: Dylan Moore
Conor Nash
Playing as a big-bodied midfielder in 2024, Conor Nash continued to showcase his strengths. From crashing and bashing packs to standing tall against some of the best midfielders in the competition, the 26-year-old never took a backwards step. Hawthorn fans would have also become accustomed to Nash’s bone-crunching tackles over the years and 2024 was no different.
Blake Hardwick
The winner of this award in 2022, Blake Hardwick could be in the mix again two years later. The versatile Hawk was nominated for the AFLPA’s Most Courageous Award off the back of another year where he showcased his strong tackling and his ability to stand up against some of the league’s most potent forwards. The 27-year-old also stood tall when he was sent forward, often kicking majors in crucial stages to set up or bring home games for the Hawks this year.
James Sicily
After playing through adversity in 2024, James Sicily could be in contention to win his first Most Courageous Award. The Hawthorn captain battled shoulder issues across the season but still stood tall in defence and as skipper. The 29-year-old also made an impact when going inside forward 50, kicking nine goals for the season.
Best Clubman
2023 winner: Luke Breust
Jack Gunston
Jack Gunston played a selfless role in 2024, mentoring the up and coming Hawthorn forwards. His relationship with Calsher Dear has been in the spotlight throughout the year but the 32-year-old also worked with a number of emerging goalkickers at AFL and VFL levels in 2024. He still had an impressive year on the field, kicking 29 goals from his 18 games.
Sam Frost
Similarly to Gunston, Sam Frost guided Hawthorn’s emerging defenders throughout the year. With James Blanck unfortunately going down with an ACL injury prior to the season, Frost rose to the occasion to have a career-best season of his own while mentoring those around him. The 31-year-old was also a voice for the players off the field, serving as an AFLPA board member.
Jarman Impey
Highly regarded among the four walls, Jarman Impey could be a name to watch out for when it comes to Best Clubman. The 29-year-old was a vital leader in defence throughout the season, so much so, he captained the side across Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Impey’s positivity has long been infectious around the club, making him a much-loved teammate.
Lethal Award
2023 winner: Will Day
James Sicily
The Hawthorn skipper remained a highly respected player in 2024, providing a constant voice on and off the field. Whether it was advice or mentorship, Sicily always tried to get the best out of himself and his teammates throughout the year.
Dylan Moore
The Hawks vice-captain was inspirational throughout the season, putting his body on the line and standing tall on the field. Off the field, his voice and determination was a key driver in turning Hawthorn’s season around from a 0-5 start to a finals berth. A highly respected and much-loved teammate within the four walls, Moore finished his year with external recognition, having been selected in the All Australian team for the first time.
Jai Newcombe
Jai Newcombe led from the front in the midfield all year, lifting his teammates around him while dominating himself. His resilience is to be highly respected, given his journey from a mid-season draft pick to a Hawthorn star.
Best Player in Finals
2023 winner: N/A
James Sicily
James Sicily began the finals series with a bang against the Western Bulldogs, marvelling with his field kicking and trademark aerial prowess. He would finish that Elimination Final with 23 disposals, 11 marks and 541 metres gained. After being closely followed for most of the team’s Semi Final, the Hawks captain would provide a spark up forward, kicking a vital goal to go with his 19 touches against Port Adelaide.
Jai Newcombe
Newcombe finished fourth in the AFLCA’s Gary Ayres Award for Best Finals Player and could be in the mix to win Hawthorn’s Best Player in Finals Award. The gun midfielder polled 15 coaches’ votes across his two games, including a perfect 10 in the Hawks’ Elimination Final win. Across the two finals against the Bulldogs and Power, the 23-year-old averaged 33 disposals, eight score involvements, six marks and 4.5 clearances.
Nick Watson
The Hawthorn forward rose to the occasion in September. Watched on by a sea of Hawks fans in wizard hats, the ‘Wizard’ himself was casting spells both on the MCG and Adelaide Oval. Watson would kick seven goals across the two games along with averages of 10 disposals and six score involvements.