Hawthorn’s NGA and F/S Draft Options
Who are the top HFC NGA and F/S prospects that you should know about heading into the upcoming AFL Draft
Ahead of the upcoming AFL Draft, we look at Hawthorn’s prospective Father Son and Next Generation Academy picks and the seasons they had at NAB League level.
Before we get into who these players are, lets better understand why Hawthorn has access to them.
Father-Son Rule
The father–son rule is a rule that allows clubs preferential recruiting access to the sons of players who have made a major past contribution to the club, with the major past contribution being 100 or more games for the football club.
Hawthorn haven’t been particularly successful with Father-Son selections in the past with the only real success stories being Josh Kennedy, son of John Kennedy Jnr (who was successful at the Sydney Swans after struggling to break into a strong Hawthorn team) and current tagger Finn Maginness.
Next Generation Academy
The Next Generation Academy (NGA's) is a joint initiative between the AFL and AFL Clubs aimed at the attraction, retention, and development of all talented players (both male and female), whilst growing participation in the under-represented segments of the community. Rules around NGA prospects have changed over time, with the current ruling allowing clubs to match bids on their NGA prospects after pick 40 in the National Draft.
Hawthorn have had some success with the Next Generation Academy program, with Changkouth Jiath being the most notable name to have come through the academy.
Who are the prospects?
Hawthorn has access to two notable NGA prospects as well as one notable F/S prospect in the 2022 drafts. Hawks Insiders have put together a brief snapshot on each player, identifying their strengths, weaknesses and where they might land in the draft.
Cooper Vickery
DOB: 16th December 2004 (17)
Height: 180cm
Weight: 72kg
Club: Vic Country/Gippsland Power/Bairnsdale FNC/Neagle College
Position: Small defender
Strengths: Consistency, speed, running capacity, rebounding
Weaknesses: Strength, contested work
Description:
A speedy defender who thrives on the defensive side of the game, Vickery is an exciting prospect because of his dual ability to play as both a lockdown defender and a running defender who breaks the lines with his speed and kicking. Vickery had a very good season for the Power, with his performances leading to Vic Country selection as well as being named in the NAB League Boys Team of the Year. Vickery is eligible as a Next Generation Academy prospect through his indigenous heritage, Hawthorn will have the ability to match any bid on him after pick 40 in the draft.
Stats:
National Championships (2022)
4 games – 16.8 disposals, 3.5 marks, 1.8 tackles, 3.5 rebound 50s, 1.5 intercept marks, 4.8 intercept possessions
NAB League (2022)
13 games – 17.3 disposals, 4.2 marks, 2.2 tackles, 4.3 rebound 50s, 1.6 intercept marks, 5.5 intercept possessions
Projected draft range: 40+
There’s a chance the Hawks won’t get the ability to match on Vickery, with his range starting right on the 40 mark, the cut off for when picks can be matched. Hawthorn will wait in hope that Vickery slips through.
Jerome Lawrence
DOB: 18th July 2003 (19)
Height: 196cm
Weight: 81kg
Club: Oakleigh Chargers/Blackburn FC
Position: Tall forward
Strengths: Agility, pace, marking, versatility
Weaknesses: Physical strength, ability to stay involved in games
Description:
A developing tall forward who is something of a late bloomer, Lawrence was plucked out of local football by the Oakleigh Chargers at the beginning of this season and showed promise throughout the year. Lawrence, son of Hawthorn Premiership player Stephen Lawrence, is quick and moves well for his size. Lawrence represented the Colgate Young Guns in their two matches against Vic Country and Vic Metro earlier this year and performed admirably in those games.
Stats:
NAB League (2022)
10 games – 8.0 disposals, 4.1 marks, 0.8 tackles, 4.8 score involvements, 1.5 goals
Projected draft range: Late-rookie
Lawrence projects as a later pick who possibly slips into the rookie draft. He is late to the elite development system, which might indicate untapped potential, and he has shown the ability to perform in patches at NAB League level, but his lack of exposed form will mean is isn’t taken higher in the draft.
Josh Bennetts
DOB: 9th August 2004 (18)
Height: 178cm
Weight: 75kg
Club: Eastern Ranges/Lysterfield
Position: Small forward
Strengths: Smarts around goals, consistency, ability to hit the scoreboard
Weaknesses: Size, strength
Description:
An athletic small forward with an eye for goal, Bennetts had an incredibly consistent season for the Eastern Ranges, capping off the season by winning their Best and Fairest. Bennetts averaged over a goal a game in the NAB League and was on the fringes of Vic Metro selection through the course of the season but failed to make a game day squad.
Stats:
NAB League (2022)
13 games – 18.2 disposals, 4.2 marks, 3.4 tackles, 1.1 goals, 5 inside 50s
Projected draft range: Late-rookie
Hawthorn shouldn’t be worried about having to match a bid on Bennetts, and will be hoping he slips through to the rookie draft, where the Hawks will be able to place him straight on the Category B rookie list.