Is underrated Hawk deserving of an All-Australian blazer in 2024?

Hawthorn stormed home as 27-point winners over Adelaide on Saturday as Sam Mitchell’s men continue a brilliant run of form.

While the Hawks dominated all over the MCG, it was 24-year-old small forward Dylan Moore who stole the headlines, playing what many consider the best of his 87 career games.

Moore booted five majors to go with 27 disposals and three tackles, exploding from the front half in impressive fashion.

The career-day for Moore sees his total goal tally rise to 21, leading the Hawks and top 20 in the competition, while also averaging 18 disposals, four tackles and seven score involvements a game.

The numbers register Moore as one of the elite small forwards in the competition thus far, begging the question as to whether his form puts him in contention for an All-Australian blazer.

Several experts believe the livewire belongs in the competition, specifically AFL journalist Callum Twomey.

“Only Tyson Stengle has kicked more goals this year as a small forward than Dylan Moore”, Twomey said on SEN’s Crunch Time.

“Do the All-Australian selectors reward a half-forward whose value to his team is as much about running and defensive work as it is about attacking flair too?

“He’s kicked 21 goals 3 (behinds), so he gets into position where he converts and a lot of that is due to the hard work he does back and forth.

“Can he be the difference to add to an All-Australian mix that generally doesn’t reward those types of players?”

Internally, Moore has remained highly rated, featuring in 20 or more games in each season since his breakout year in 2021.

21-year-old teammate Connor MacDonald was full of praise for the star Hawk, labelling Moore as an invaluable leader at the club.

“Moorey’s been amazing”, MacDonald told SEN’s Crunch Time.

“He’s a really good connector between the group.

“He’s been amazing, his leadership has really grown over the past six months.

“He’s a guy that just comes in and works so hard, he’s always trying the hardest and it’s awesome to see him get the reward now.

“He’s a guy you love running out there with each week because you know he’s going to give 110 per cent effort.

“He’s the heart and soul of this club.”

Moore will have to continue his good form to remain in contention for his maiden All-Australian, as the in-form Hawks take on the Giants in Tasmania next Saturday.