Hawthorn young gun Jai Newcombe was instrumental in his side’s upset win over Brisbane in Launceston.
The 20-year-old is having a breakout season and continued his stellar form against the Lions on Sunday.
Newcombe, selected with the second pick overall in the 2021 mid-season draft, finished with 27 disposals, nine clearances, six tackles, 664 metres gained, a goal and a game-high 12 score involvements.
The emerging Hawk received a Rising Star nomination in Round 5 and is one of the favourites to win the award.
David King praised Newcombe’s “perfect game” against the Lions and the way Hawthorn have handled the bullocking midfielder.
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“He’s a different player, isn’t he?” King told SEN’s Whateley.
“The Rising Star discussion’s a good one, but let’s talk about the players that are 20 and under – he’s the number one rated player in the AFL that’s 20 and under.
“On the weekend he has 27 disposals, nine clearances, 14 contested possessions and was the leading impact player on the ground with 12 score involvements – that’s the perfect game.
“I’m really thrilled with what they’ve done with him and how they’ve handled him because Rounds 1 to 4 he was 50 per cent half-forward, 50 per cent midfield, since then he’s become a 100 per cent pure midfielder.
“These rebuilds are full club things, so big tick to the Hawks both on and off the field.”
Newcombe is contracted to Hawthorn until the end of 2023.
He’s averaging 22.5 disposals and 3.7 clearances per game this year.