We've got next.
Player comparisons are an integral part of the discussions around players in their early years in the AFL system. SIMON MORAWETZ has done a deep dive into our young Hawks, so you don't have to
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Footy fans love a good comparison.
“We’ve got the next Ablett.”
“This guy’s leadership is Hodge-esque.”
“He plays just like his dad.”
Another favourite is to compare a young player with a current star at the same stage of their career. It serves as an illustration of what the younger player might one day be capable of.
Since we have a number of future stars in the squad, I’ve taken the liberty of doing exactly that.
Of course, there’s no guarantee (or even suggestion) that showing similar stat-line to a star player early on means that player will actually end up as good as them, but it’s a fun exercise, and makes for some encouraging reading for our developing team.
I should note that some (fortunately not many) of the games in this analysis took place in 2020, when the matches were shortened. I have adjusted those stats up by 1.25; the flat increase is not a perfect method for accounting for it, but it’s the best we have.
Impacted players are Mitch Lewis (eight games in 2020), Will Day (11), and Tim English (nine). I don’t believe the adjustments significantly affect the overall analysis.
With all that said, let’s start with the leader of our midfield.
JAI NEWCOMBE (51 games)
“Duke” has come second in our last two B&F counts. He has done such a good job leading our midfield, it’s easy to forget he’s only played 51 games.
What he’s achieved in that short time is nothing short of phenomenal, especially when you account for his unorthodox entry into the AFL system.
For reference, I’ve put Newcombe up against Lachie Neale, and our man stands above. He has far more disposals, almost 100 more tackles, 89 more inside 50s, and almost 60 more clearances.
Duke’s 29 Brownlow votes after 51 games outshine the dual Brownlow Medalist, and are also more than Bontempelli (28), Cripps (24), Oliver (20), Merrett (9), and Gulden (8).
Neale was something of a ball magnet early in his career, but it wasn’t until about his 50th game that he really started to rack up big numbers. Newcombe has hit that production much earlier.