Preview '23: Peter Crimmins Medal
A simple one for our Insiders to crystal ball - which three players will finish on the 2023 PCM podium?
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.
With the depth starting to emerge and the expectations that a number of players will take the next step in 2023, picking a podium finish for the PCM should be more difficult than ever before.
Who are we trying to kid. We think it is a straight forward discussion for PCM voting this year - with all of our crew picking two of the same players each, and most of us sharing the same third nomination.
So who are the additional players that have snuck in here? And who do you think we have missed?
Check out our predictions.
Danny Prins
1. Dylan Moore
This year more than most, it is hard to predict who will finish at the pointy end of the Peter Crimmins Medal count. There are so many moving pieces, with player development and positional switches clouding judgement and leaving more questions than answers.
I’ve gone relatively safe in my predictions here, Dylan Moore looks ready to prove himself one of the best options in the league in his position, and his consistency over the course of last year and this preseason has me confident he can win it.
2. Jai Newcombe
Jai Newcombe is already seen as a leader of our young midfield unit, and he will show up and prove the doubters wrong again.
3. James Sicily
Our captain, James Sicily won this last year and is a huge chance to go back to back, I have him finishing on the podium in 2023.
Brad Klibansky
1. James Sicily
I expect Sicily to go back to back, only at the end of 2023 he will receive a much deserved All-Australian jacket. He’s certainly going to earn with the amount of ball that will be down in our backline each week.
Having been made captain for the upcoming season, I expect Sicily to thrive with the role and take his game to another level.
2. Dylan Moore
Expect Mr consistent to have another solid season. Moore was one of only two players in the AFL last season to average 20+ disposals and 1 goal a game, the other being Marcus Bontempelli.
If Moore can back-up his season from 2022, he will most likely make the All-Australian squad of 40. He looks set for another big season playing across half forward and the midfield
3. Jai Newcombe
It’s incredible to think the boy from Poowong is now our best midfielder. With only his second full pre-season under his belt, the sky is limit for Jai. With Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara departing there will be a lot of pressure on Newcombe but he has a great head on his shoulders and will thrive being the main man.
Andrew Weiss
1. James Sicily
Formality to me as long as he can stay on the park - both from an injury and temper point of view. I don’t see that being an issue so the only real question then will be how on earth he is once again overlooked as an All Australian.
Expecting him to lead by example and given the amount of ball our backline will see, he should be right in the think of the action.
2. Jai Newcombe
Would there be anything better than seeing Jai backup his season and a half at the level with another consistent year leading our midfield unit?
The big questions remains how he will go with some extra attention given the lack of depth we have in this department with teams certain to put some more work into him. But expecting him to have a big season in the middle.
3. Dylan Moore
Loves a goal. Loves a leadership position. Loves the club. And loves a PCM podium. He really could finish anywhere in the top three - one of the best players on our whole list. It will be interesting to see how much time Dylan spends on ball versus up forward - either way, you just know he will give you all that he’s got. Star.
Ashley Browne
1. Jai Newcombe
Now Hawthorn’s best player and in 2023 will show people why.
2. Will Day
Watch the SA clubs salivate at the thought of bringing him home after he takes to his new midfield role with aplomb.
3. James Sicily
The Hawks need him to be close to his best once again.
Simon Morawetz
1. James Sicily
2. Jai Newcombe
3. Karl Amon
In the final preview article for 2023 we look at how many wins the Insiders think the team will get this season.
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