Hawthorn fans have an exciting father-son prospect to keep an eye on in 2022, according to AFL.com.au’s draft expert Cal Twomey.
Jerome Lawrence, son of premiership Hawk Stephen, has spent time at Waverley Park over the past week and has shot up as a “surprise packet” draft prospect.
The youngster has kicked three goals in the first two matches of the 2022 NAB League season playing for the Oakleigh Chargers, and has improved after not nominating for last year’s draft.
“Jerome Lawrence has come through, a bit of a surprise packet,” Twomey began on SEN Breakfast.
“He’s the son of former ruckman Stephen Lawrence who played in their 1991 premiership win over West Coast.
"He played 146 games, his son Jerome will be eligible for this year’s draft.
“Now he was overlooked for last year’s draft. He didn’t actually nominate for the draft so that means he’s not eligible for the mid-season draft, Jerome.
“He’s a 194cm key forward playing for the Oakleigh Chargers, comes from Blackburn local level, so just new on the NAB League scene but he’s certainly showing a few signs to be looked at.
“(He) has spent some time at the Hawks this week as part of their father-son Academy, so (he’s) one that certainly the Hawks will be keeping an eye on throughout the rest of the year.”
Stephen Lawrence recorded 21 disposals, 18 hit-outs and 10 marks to be a big part of Hawthorn's 53-point triumph in the 1991 Grand Final.
Midfielder Finn Maginess was Hawthorn’s first father-son selection since 2005 when he was selected in the 2019 draft.
Hawthorn has drafted four players under the father-son rule, the second-fewest of any Victorian club after St Kilda.
Collingwood has taken the most with 17 selections, with young gun Nick Daicos the most recent from the 2021 National Draft.
Feature image: Blackburn Football Club