The midseason bye provides players and coaches a well-earned chance to rest and recharge. It also offers a great opportunity for fans to reflect on the first half of their team’s season.
For Hawthorn, who entered the break sitting at 5th position on the AFL ladder with nine wins and five losses, this portion of the year has, for the most part, been a success.
Despite the occasional dip in consistency and form, as well as a few injuries (most notably to prime-mover Will Day) to key players, the first 14 matches of the year have established Sam Mitchell’s side as a strong finals threat at the very least.
Establishing themselves as a relatively balanced and steady squad across all three lines, the Hawks have certainly built on their shock run to finals in 2024 as the addition of Josh Battle and Tom Barrass, as well as substantial growth from players such as Josh Weddle, Nick Watson and Josh Ward have added new elements to the team.
For a team that so clearly values the sum of its parts far more than the individual, handing out individual accolades can sometimes be challenging, but it’s a common occurrence come the midway part of the year, and a great way to recognise some exceptional individual campaigns so far in season 2025.
However instead of opting for the run-of-the-mill honours, this season Talking Hawks have tried to come up with some more unique awards that help recognise some players that may have otherwise been missed.
MVP
Awarded to the player with the most combined MVP votes from our weekly segment.
1st – Jai Newcombe
2nd – Lloyd Meek
3rd – Karl Amon
Cyril Award
Awarded to the player with the best and most impactful performance under twelve disposals.
Ollie – MABIOR CHOL vs Western Bulldogs (Rd 13). 4 goals, 11 disposals, 2 goal assists
Bec – MABIOR CHOL vs Carlton (Rd 2). 3 Goals, 11 disposals, 7 score involvements
Chris – NICK WATSON vs Richmond (Rd 8). 3 Goals, 10 Disposals, 6 Score involvements
Lauren – MABIOR CHOL vs Western Bulldogs (Rd 13). 4 goals, 11 disposals, 2 goal assists
WINNER – Mabior Chol
Upside Award
Awarded to the player that consistently displayed flashes of their extreme talent and promise, under 22.
Ollie – Josh Weddle
Bec – Josh Weddle
Chris – Josh Weddle
Lauren – Josh Weddle
WINNER – JOSH WEDDLE
Hartung Award
Awarded to the player who hasn’t put a foot wrong but has trouble maintaining a consistent spot due to the strength of the side/has consistently dominated at VFL level.
Ollie – Henry Hustwaite
Bec – Bailey MacDonald
Chris – Jai Serong
Lauren – Jai Serong
WINNER – JAI SERONG
Stratton Award
Awarded to the player who doesn’t receive the accolades and recognition they deserve.
Ollie – Harry Morrison
Bec – Mabior Chol
Chris – Connor McDonald
Lauren – Tom Barrass
Spangher Award
Awarded to the player who has developed cult status amongst the fans for whatever reason.
Ollie – Lloyd Meek
Bec – Lloyd Meek
Chris – Nick Watson
Lauren – Henry Hustwaite
WINNER – LLOYD MEEK
Worpel Award
Awarded to the player that has been most pleasantly surprising throughout the first half of the year.
Ollie – Josh Ward
Bec – Josh Ward
Chris – Josh Ward
Lauren – Jack Gunston
WINNER – JOSH WARD
Burgoyne Award
Awarded to the most versatile player throughout the first half of the year.
Ollie – Josh Weddle
Bec – Josh Weddle
Chris – Josh Weddle
Lauren – Josh Weddle
WINNER – JOSH WEDDLE
2014 GF Will Langford Award
Awarded to the most surprising individual performance across the first half of the year.
Ollie – FINN MAGGINESS v GWS (Rd 3). 25 disposals, 11 kicks, 5 inside-50’s, 432 metres-gained
Bec – CHANGKOUTH JIATH v Melbourne (Rd 9). 25 disposals, 12 intercept possessions, 507 meters-gained, 6 i50s, 9 score involvements
Chris – JACK GINNIVAN v Collingwood (Rd 12). 31 disposals, 3 goals, 6 score involvements
Lauren – JOSH WARD v Western Bulldogs (Rd 13). 28 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 7 inside 50s, 5 score involvements
