After ten rounds the Talking Hawks team take stock on the votes submitted for the most valuable player each round.
With some insights into who is fairing well for Hawthorn’s best and fairest award, the Peter Crimmins Medal, we delve into what has made the top ten vote getters stand out this season.
- WILL DAY – 12 VOTES (4 games – Avg. 3.0 Votes/Game)
After erring on the side of caution and nursing last year’s Peter Crimmins Medalist (PCM) back to health, a sorely missed Will Day played his first game of the season in round eight against a ruthless Sydney Swans.
Lacking match fitness, Daysy managed 11 disposals in his first hit out and has improved every week since, with his most recent outing producing 27 disposals along with a very memorable goal!
Will has been instrumental in over the last month in recapturing the midfield chemistry that saw the Hawks become one of the best midfields in the AFL. I’m anticipating Will to continue his rapid rise up the MVP standings.
- JARMAN IMPEY – 14 VOTES (10 games – Avg. 1.4 Votes/Game)
Jarman has arguably been in career best form!
He has averaged 18.3 disposals across the ten games this season, with a standout performance against the Western Bulldogs where Jars had 27 disposals at 93% efficiency if you don’t mind!
In a backline that has been ravaged by injury, Jarman has been a rock for Hawthorn keeping his opponents on a leash, all while launching attacks off the half back line.
With his consistency, one would expect Jars to be pushing for a higher finish on our MVP leaderboard.
- MASSIMO D’AMBROSIO – 17 VOTES (9 games – Avg. 1.9 Votes/Game)
Massimo joined Hawthorn at the trade deadline last year in what has turned out to be an absolute steal.
Making his debut in the brown and gold against his former team Essendon, Massimo stunned both Hawks and Bombers spectators alike, owning the wing and stamping his authority on that game with a 29 disposal performance.
Mass has been a welcome addition to the line up and at only 20 years of age has a bright future. It speaks volumes that he has already found himself sitting 8th on our MVP leaderboard.
- KARL AMON – 21 VOTES (10 games – Avg. 2.1 Votes/Game)
Karl faced a new challenge this season moving from his customary wing position to a backline role, in a move many people questioned at the time. While some may still argue the move, he has delivered in spades.
Launching numerous scoring chains from defense, biting off risky kicks with precision, Amon is averaging 22 disposals, 5.6 rebound 50’s and 2.5 inside 50’s, with a season best 31 disposals coming against St.Kilda.
He hasn’t shied away from the contest and has put his body on the line on a weekly basis, which has impressed me immensely given the outside role he previously played.
- JACK SCRIMSHAW – 23 VOTES (9 games – Avg. 2.6 Votes/Game)
What an amazing season Scrimma has had to date!
With a lack of tall defensive options, Jack has found himself often giving up height and weight on opposition forwards. Against Sydney he copped a decent spray from Sam Mitchell and responded in the best way possible, letting his footy do the talking.
While averaging a respectable 18.4 disposals, it’s not his ball use that has impressed me most, it’s been Jack’s ability to impact contests of his teammates opponents on top of his direct opponent.
He has single handedly saved multiple goals this season through pure grit and determination. Could be a smokey to feature in the top 5 of the Peter Crimmins Medal…
- JAI NEWCOMBE – 25 VOTES (10 games – Avg. 2.5 Votes/Game)
It has been an interesting year so far for the Duke, who set such high expectations in his short illustrious career that we forget he’s still only 22 years old and a 60 game player, not a 150 game veteran.
In saying all that, Jai’s averaged 22.8 disposals down from 25.1 last season, but he has probably drawn a lot more attention from opponents.
With the return of Will Day to the midfield, he seems to have had more impact on games. A close runner up in last year’s PCM, I’m anticipating a big back half of the year and for Newcombe to feature in the top 3.
- BLAKE HARDWICK – 26 VOTES (10 games – Avg. 2.6 Votes/Game)
After training with the forwards during the pre-season, the ultra reliable defender, Blake Hardwick has found himself forward at various times this year.
With a haul of 4 goals against Collingwood in gather round, and a bag of 5 against Port Adelaide, he will forever have fond memories of Adelaide Oval! While it hasn’t always worked out playing forward this year for Dimma, he has literally been a game changer and nearly caused 2 major upsets with his outstanding accuracy in front of goals.
The most critical thing he needs to do in the back end of the season is put pen to paper and sign a contract extension for the Hawks!
- DYLAN MOORE – 35 VOTES (10 games – Avg. 3.5 Votes/Game)
Moorey has been super consistent this season and regularly hit the scoreboard. He kicked three or more goals on three separate occasions, and an equal career high four goals against North Melbourne while racking up 20 disposals.
We’ve seen Dylan spending time in the midfield and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching him transition to this role which has made him an even bigger threat.
Moore has definitely stepped up in the absence of captain James Sicily and truly is a spiritual leader of the club. With Moore’s on field performance it’s no surprise he’s sitting 3rd on our MVP leaderboard.
- LLOYD MEEK – 36 VOTES (8 games – Avg. 4.5 Votes/Game)
Where do I start? This guy warrants a separate article for the impact he has had this year!
Ned Reeves started the season as the number one ruck option, but when Meeky got his opportunity, he grabbed it with both hands and hasn’t looked back.
Averaging 34.4 hit outs per game with 10.4 to advantage at an insane 30%. Not only is Meek providing our midfield with first use of the pill, he’s averaging 14.5 disposals, 3.6 tackles and in the last 5 games has averaged 1 goal.
He is Hawthorn’s most improved player this year by a country mile and doesn’t look like slowing down. With Lloyd averaging 84% time on ground, his solo rucking is super impressive. Is he a chance to win the PCM? Short answer, YES!
- JAMES WORPEL – 40 VOTES (10 games – Avg. 4.0 Votes/Game)
Sitting on top of the Talking Hawks MVP through 10 games is the Worpedo.
When our midfield wasn’t quite clicking in the first month of footy, this man put the team on his shoulders. In the first 3 games he averaged over 30 disposals, 5 tackles, 6.3 clearances, also kicked 2 goals!
Worpel’s output has dropped off, but you could argue that is due to the rest of the midfield actually giving him a hand now. What has impressed me most about his game this year is the fact he has tidied up his kicking, especially his forward 50m entries.
You can never question James’ endeavor, and he is deservedly leading our MVP count so far. Can he reproduce his 2019 heroics and get his hands on his 2nd PCM Medal? Only time will tell, and it’s going to be an interesting race this year.
With a number of players experiencing injury interrupted seasons, it’s afforded the playing group the chance to shine and have some individual performances where players have carried out roles they may not normally undertake with a healthier list.
With Meek, Moore and Scrimshaw showing solid consistency, the average votes per game tell of Will Day’s immense impact in only a handful of games. Day has an average of three votes per game and is helping others shine across his four games.
Comment with your top five players for the first ten rounds.
