With Mitch Lewis and Calsher Dear all but unavailable for the beginning of Hawthorn’s 2025 Premiership tilt, young gun Max Ramsden has put his hand up to be in consideration for the Opening Round clash against the Swans.
Ramsden has not missed a beat during match simulations since coming back to training on the 9th of January, and has been demonstrating to coach of the forward line Adrian Hickmott his ability to handle the challenge of playing as a key pillar against quality opposition.
Over the past fortnight Ramsden has shone brightly as a key forward, often battling against experienced key defender Jack Scrimshaw and fellow young gun Jai Serong, displaying how far his forward craft has come along.
Recently during Monday’s spirited training session, Ramsden was pivotal in his side’s ability to score, setting up two goals through quick hands in traffic, whilst also clunking a beautiful mark on the lead and another contested grab against Scrimshaw: ultimately finishing off by converting a goal.
While a hub of activity in attack, his defensive prowess for a big man was also on display, with a tackle on fleet-footed Changkuoth Jiath allowing his team to gain further ascendancy in the ten minute match simulation.
When he arrived at the club back in 2022 as the sixth pick in the Mid-Season Draft, Ramsden was considered incredibly raw but with qualities that would eventually hold him in good stead at the highest level.
His running has always been a strength for a big man, and, despite standing at 203 centimetres and weighing near 100 kilograms, he shocked many at the club by taking out the six-minute time trial in a group that also contained midfield stars Jai Newcombe, James Worpel and Conor Nash.
Over the past nearly three years, he has had to spend time adding size to his frame to help compete against some of the biggest ruckmen and defenders in the game.
He has packed on a massive 15 kilograms to his frame through hard work in the gym and commitment to his diet, which has ultimately allowed him to be able to hold his own as a key forward for Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate Box Hill.
At Hawthorn, the ringing of the bell is synonymous for a personal best in the gym, and this pre-season alone, the 21 year old has recorded multiple personal bests, including on the squat rack pre-Christmas.
While he was drafted as a ruckman, he has always been held in high regard at Waverley Park for his ability to play forward, with comparisons made between himself and a young Eric Hipwood by Hawthorn Development coach and Box Hill Hawks Senior coach Zane Littlejohn.
In the VFL last year Ramsden played predominantly ruck, but was still able to boot 13 goals which placed him equal third for Box Hill overall.
After playing three games in 2024 and five games in total at Hawthorn (the last ironically being as the sub in round seven against the Swans), Ramsden is ready to take the next step and become a regular player in the Hawks lineup.
Through his preseason form to date, there is no doubt that “Rama” is putting his hand up to be in serious contention for a starting berth, partnering with Mabior Chol as Hawthorn’s key forwards for the Opening clash of the year against last year’s grand finalist in the Swans.
