12 May 2021 | Written by Rhys Knight
Another month done and more rankings coming in for the Hawks’ eventual Pick 1-3, which looks like two. Collingwood will get Nick Daicos (somehow) and North will get their player of choice which looks like Jason Horne at this stage but Horne is included in this listing as well.
#6 – Hugh Jackson
Close to the man known as ‘Wolverine’, this man oozes class. His movement through the midfield is his strength, as well as his skills during traffic.
He’s averaging 33 disposals for the SANFL U/18’s side who’s matching his inside and outside craft and his kicking inside 50 is a treat, if only the Hawks forwards would lead at him.
#5 – Tyler Sonsie
Made his debut for Box Hill due to the NAB League on hiatus and worked at his craft very nicely. He gathered 21 disposals, had five inside 50’s, four rebounds, laid four tackles and hit the scoreboard with two goals.
His contested ball is a feature, as is his decision making. Sonsie makes great decisions and can break a line when needed. Sonsie will be a gun and is the player expected to be much higher on this list in the June edition but halfway through May, he sits here but no Hawk fan should be at all less than thrilled if he’s a Hawk next year.
#4 – Matthew Roberts
The South Australian boy is a goal-kicking midfielder who’s also a left footer which we know Clarko loves. Lauded for his inside 50 entries and ability to hit the scoreboard, Roberts could be an instant Round 1, 2022 starter for his club.
In his last four SANFL U/18 performances, Roberts has kicked eight goals and has two 34+ disposals games and for anyone wondering why he’s only at number four, his notes include a need to improve kick placement and a more reliable kick in general. Again, make no mistake, could be a genuine star this lad.
#3 – Jason Horne
The man expected to fly up the rankings in the next couple of months, Horne’s SANFL career hasn’t taken off but will be so much better for the run, as the year goes on.
A 17 disposal and 1.1 game last week (SANFL had a bye this round) was a good performance after (in descending order) a six, twelve and nineteen (and 1.1) touch game performance in his other three games. Should get more midfield time at South Adelaide and is a great threat aerially as well as the scoreboard.
#2 – Matthew Johnson
This young man is 192cm tall, plays as an outside midfielder and is an elite user on both feet. Argument over? Was one of the best against the Geelong VFL side for the Academy and although he isn’t getting the most game time at WAFL level, like Horne, will be much better for each run.
Lauded for his decision-making and composure, Johnson is also applauded for his ability to stick tackles, something that some midfielders struggle with. A couple of pre-seasons into this young man and he could be the next best thing in the game. He is a clinical one touch mid and one that will be a gun no matter where he ends up.
#1 – Josh Sinn
The young man is definitely on the radar but he’s 6’1 the Victorian lad and a good user of the ball. Has leadership qualities as well and played well in the Academy game against Geelong’s VFL.
Captained a winning Vic Metro U/16 group, Sinn is a damaging outside player and although his draft notes do focus on him as a half back flanker, the Hawks could genuinely have a Will Day/Josh Sinn wing partnership for the next twelve years. Can impact the game with dash and ball use but don’t discount his defensive side either, with an ability to stick tackles.
