Preview '23: Best First Year Players
In the first of our 2023 season previews, our Insiders answer the question: Who will be our best first year players this season?
Ahead of the opening round game against the Bombers on 19 March, we bring you a series of 2023 season preview articles. From the best first year players to a prediction for where we will finish on the ladder, get ready as we crystal ball all the burning questions.
Pick 7: Cam Mackenzie
Pick 18: Josh Weddle
Pick 37: Henry Hustwaite
Pick 46: Jack O’Sullivan
Pick 51: Bailey Macdonald
Category B rookie: Josh Bennetts
An immensely talented group of six new Hawks that were added to our list via the 2022 AFL National Draft and most of whom we would expect to see get a taste of senior footy in 2023.
But who will have the biggest impact? Which players will finish the year as the contenders to take out our ‘Best First Year Player’ award at the Peter Crimmins Medal?
Our Insiders give you their top three selections in this category:
Danny Prins
1. Cam Mackenzie
This one seems fairly straight forward. Cam Mackenzie has the build, skills and development to be able to step into the Hawthorn team immediately and compete in multiple roles.
Mackenzie’s flexibility and foot skills mean he will be able to be used off half back, on a wing or rotating through the midfield.
Mitchell and the Hawthorn coaching staff will have no issues giving Mackenzie licence to use his skills, both by hand and by foot, in pressure situations, so he gets the nod here.
2. Josh Weddle
Josh Weddle comes in a close second, and likely has the highest ceiling of any of Hawthorn’s recent draftees. Weddle, as we all know, is an athletic monster and competitive beast.
He may not be as polished as Mackenzie, but the Hawks are enamoured with him and will be keen to get him to 20 games as quickly as they can.
3. Henry Hustwaite
Henry Hustwaite might just surprise, he’s a little further back than the first two, but based on the glimpses I’ve seen, I expect him to get some games in the back half of the season.
His big body and strong inside work bode well for midfield minutes in the future, but Hustwaite may need to bide his time at Box Hill for the majority of 2023.
Brad Klibansky
1. Cam Mackenzie
Like Josh Ward in 2022, I expect Mackenzie to be ready to go at AFL level from round 1. Taken with pick 7 in the 2022 National Draft, Mackenzie has elite skills, something our midfield has lacked over the past 5 years. I can see Mackenzie playing at least 15 games this season.
2. Josh Weddle
Having traded up to take Weddle in the first round (pick 18) in the 2022 national draft, expect to see Weddle play early on.
He predominantly played as a defender at under 18 level, but he will be played more up the ground, most probably as wingman.
He looks to have the size and skill set to play early on at AFL level but it will take him time to get used to the speed of the game. I see him playing at least half the season in AFL level but will also spend at Box Hill.
3. Henry Hustwaite
Hustwaite will start the season at Box Hill but I expect him to earn a spot in the senior side throughout the season.
Whilst not gifted with pace, Hustwaite has elite skills, something our side has lacked over the past few seasons.
Simon Morawetz
1. Henry Hustwaite
As a young team, we’re going to see a lot of skill and decision-making errors from the Hawks this year. One thing Hustwaite is known for is his calmness on the ball.
These attributes will stand out even more in a haphazard team. It’ll be just what we need.
2. Cam Mackenzie
He wore number 14 a lot as a junior, and watching his highlights, you can’t help but feel we have landed Callum Mills Jr.
If he’s anywhere near as complete as the Swans star, we have a beauty.
3. Josh Weddle
Has the athleticism to get himself into the team, and hopefully is given a decent run.
He will probably be trialled in a few different positions, and the volatility won’t help him. But once we settle on one or two roles for him, he will be a very valuable asset.
Andrew Weiss
1. Cam Mackenzie
Can I just name one player for this preview article? I mean we all know the deal with Josh Weddle, and we have seen a bit of Henry Hustwaite in the pre-season, but there is really no going past Mackenzie in this category.
Am expecting him to play 15 plus games this season and having seen him dominate against the Pies in Launceston this pre-season, it is clear he can have an immediate impact on the field in our midfield unit.
Can’t wait to see how he goes week after week - will need to be managed but he is a tasty tasty prospect.
Ashley Browne
1. Cam McKenzie
I’m not saying he’s the second coming of Cyril Rioli but I can’t remember a Hawk draftee playing a pre-season game as impressive since Rioli’s against Adelaide in 2008.
Will Ashcroft is as certain to win the Rising Seat as Nick Daicos was this time last year, so put that out of your mind and just enjoy him playing with class and poise beyond his years and then watch the forwards salivate as hits them up on the lead time after time.
2. Henry Hustwaite
Hawthorn’s answer to Scott Pendlebury, with his sleek disposal and great hands in close. Does he also have a basketball background?
3. Josh Weddle
Athletic beast who will become a fan favourite. But we might just need to temper our expectations just a little in 2023. Looked miles off it against the Cats.
In the next preview article for 2023 we look at who we expect to kick all the goals.
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