Five players you are big on for 2025

[Simon Crawshay]

First time at posting a thread so go easy on this old campaigner

I thought it would be interesting if we picked five players we think are going to have big years in 2025. They can be established players or rookies, just pick five players from the list at your discretion and state why you are big on them in 2025.

Last year we had some real dark horses like Meek and Massimo not just cement spots in the starting 22 but be legit forces in their relative positions.

Going into 2025 these are my five players who I feel are in for big years in 2025 (baring injuries)

1. Jai Newcombe
A pretty obvious one but seriously looking at the nick that the Prince of Poowong has come back to the club in I feel like this is the year Newk absolute rips this competition to shreds. I'm thinking top 3 in the Brownlow and All Australian honours and another Club B&F.

2. Jack Scrimshaw
Yes another obvious one (for me) but think about the fact that Jack just had a career best year playing as an undersized CHB and now he has Battle and Barrass to give him a chop out. Entering his prime footy years a 26 years of age he will be absolutely primed for a massive campaign in 2025 (should make the AA squad)

3. Lloyd Meek
Meek Monday had a great year in 2024 and just like Scrimmers is entering his prime years at 26. Meek should be setting a goal to be a top three ruck in the league in 2025, he has all the physical tools to be so. He will be the talisman for our 2025 season, we really need him to stay healthy.

4. Jack Ginnivan
Like most here I was pleasantly surprised with Jack's 2025, he is much more than an opportunistic goal sneak. Looking at the shape he has come back to the club you can see he wants to make a statement to the league in 2025. Really looking forward to seeing what Ginni produces in 2025.

5. Harry Morrison
This is my slightly left field selection. I was very impressed with Harry's finals series and I think he just offers so much versatility across all three lines (I actually like him as a winger). I feel like he could play quite a few games in 2025 and be in for a really solid year. Great clubman as well.

 

[Mr Meeseeks]

1. Day, Day, Day

If he gets a clean run at it he'll be all Aussie. So much like the bont. Will be our best player by seqsons end, if not already.

2. Watson
3. Massimo
4. CMacD
5. CMacK

Expecting natural improvement from the likes of Newcombe, Meek, Moore, Scrimshaw, Ginni and Worpel but the 5 I mentioned are imo most likely to be the biggest improvers.

Special mention to Sicily the fwd. He could be a revelation. He's shown how good he is up there but we've not been able to spare him.

If Frost and Barrass can hold down a fwd, releasing Battle, Scrimshaw or Weddle to intercept all day, I can see Sicily (and Hardwick) spending more time fwd than back.

Sent from my SM-G990E using Tapatalk

 

[barbster]

1. Battle
2. Barrass
3. Weddle
4. McCabe
5. Dear

 

[Rowie6]

1.J.Ward
2.Shammy
3.W.McCabe
4.CJ
5.Josh Weddle


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[MazHawk]

1. Ginnivan
2. Ward
3. Mackenzie
4. Maginness
5. Day.

Ginni and Finn are two who I think are coming into 2025 primed for their best football and looking in the best shape.
Ward and CMack are building on solid end-of-2024 foundations and could take quite a step up.
Day, as Meeseeks said, if is left uninjured could easily make AA selection and become one of the best mids in the comp.

 

[threesixpio]

Good thread topic

1. Barrass. When this sets in we will get Lake like love. He will be a force
2. Wizard. He has just begun and he will rip a new one this year. A million Hawthorn kids will dress as wizards by years end
3. Will Day will again go up a notch. He is an absolute gun and a competitive madman
4. Jai N looks scary in preseason. My eyes get bruised just looking at him. He will do some stupidly things this year you watech.
5. I’m going to go slightly less obvious and say Croc. I think he’s under rated but by years end will be talked about as one of the elite players of the comp.

Honorable mentions (too many - tomorrow I could have another 10 such is my confidence this year. Didn’t even mention Weddle or Mass or Impey or Sicily or Moorey or…actually maybe I did)

 

[CaptainWorpedo]

Only 5 Players, oh this is hard!

5. Day to step up and have a future Captain like season.

4. McDonald.C Is ready to explode and have some decent midfield time.

3. Ginnivan to become our new version of Chick ( Only his going no were )

2. McCabe to show us he has over come his injury and show us his talent as a flexible KPP. Could we have the Dear / McCabe show in our forward 50 in 2025?

1. Dear to recover quickly and kick 50 goals in season 2025.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

Good thread topic

1. Barrass. When this sets in we will get Lake like love. He will be a force
2. Wizard. He has just begun and he will rip a new one this year. A million Hawthorn kids will dress as wizards by years end
3. Will Day will again go up a notch. He is an absolute gun and a competitive madman
4. Jai N looks scary in preseason. My eyes get bruised just looking at him. He will do some stupidly things this year you watech.
5. I’m going to go slightly less obvious and say Croc. I think he’s under rated but by years end will be talked about as one of the elite players of the comp.

Honorable mentions (too many - tomorrow I could have another 10 such is my confidence this year. Didn’t even mention Weddle or Mass or Impey or Sicily or Moorey or…actually maybe I did)

I see what you did at the end there

I like your Croc prediction, I was very close to having him in my top 5 as well.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

1.J.Ward
2.Shammy
3.W.McCabe
4.CJ
5.Josh Weddle


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

Shammy, McCabe and CJ I like it

Young Seamus had a down year in 2024 but geez he showed a fair bit in 2023. Be great to see him back to his best off half back (he will find it hard to crack a spot in our loaded backline though).

 

[kazzooka]

1. Watson - superstar in the making. Will go to a new level now that he is passed the adapting stage and knows he can get it done

2. Battle - Many are sleeping on what a star he is. 3rd in saints BnF i can see him winning some with us. Him, Scrimshaw, Sicily and Barrass will own the air.

3. Weddle - Not sure where he will play but there's no need for him in defence against the likes of Hogan anymore.

4. Cam MacKenzie - Day and Newcombe are our star mids and it's been Nash and Worple as the supporting cast, with ward, frenchie, finn etc as emerging players. Cam Mackenzie I feel will take a huge leap towards joining Day and Newcombe in that Star group and all 3 will be challenging for BnFs, AA, Brownlows etc... Like Voss, Aker, Black or Bartell, Abblett, Selwood or Judd, Cousins, Kerr.

5. Jai Newcombe - will win the 2025 Brownlow.

Special Mention to those I this will be great but excluded just due to doubts on injury.

Day - Not sure about injury and how it'll all hold up.

Dear - Play when????

Lewis - play when???

 

[Slainte]

1. Scrimshaw - took on a lot of responsibility in 2024 and did a great job. This year, he should be able to play with more freedom and maybe a more Birchall-like role, setting up attack from defence.
2. Croc - I have been a fan from day one and enjoyed watching him develop his game and mature. I expect further progress this year.
3. CJ - with a clear run, he could become a very dangerous link player.
4. Weddle - we have only scratched the surface with this guy - I am expecting him to consolidate his abilities and become a dominant player in 2025.
5. Wizard - I am hoping he gets more centre square cameos as he has the speed and agility to make a mess of opposition defensive set-ups.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

1. Scrimshaw - took on a lot of responsibility in 2024 and did a great job. This year, he should be able to play with more freedom and maybe a more Birchall-like role, setting up attack from defence.
2. Croc - I have been a fan from day one and enjoyed watching him develop his game and mature. I expect further progress this year.
3. CJ - with a clear run, he could become a very dangerous link player.
4. Weddle - we have only scratched the surface with this guy - I am expecting him to consolidate his abilities and become a dominant player in 2025.
5. Wizard - I am hoping he gets more centre square cameos as he has the speed and agility to make a mess of opposition defensive set-ups.

Nice list

I like your Scrimshaw analysis. As good as he was playing as our main KPD last year, being able to free him up to be more attacking will be great for the side (he’s such a good user of the ball of half back).

 

[cs61]

5. Josh Weddle - In many of our best performed games last year, a common theme was Weddle streaming out of defence with the opposition not being able to go with him. We destroyed sides on the rebound to the point of it almost being unfair. With Barrass, Battle, and Frost there Weddle can be kept in attacking positions and unleashed, and in his third year is primed to dominate the high half back role.

4. Cam MacKenzie - Very damaging setting up going into forward 50, or kicking for goal. Frenchy shows a lot of signs to be a very good midfielder at AFL level, and is a very smart and efficient player Can take us to another level if and when he breaks out, and add real depth to the midfield.

3. Tom Barrass - Is an elite defender... top few fullbacks in the game. In a side who puts on good collective defensive pressure, makes it hard for the opposition to score, and has other very good players around him to help him out will shine individually, and turn one of our weakest areas to one of the strongest, which is the quick high ball. We did very well in the trade period to only give up what we did given Barrass' value as a player.

2. Nick Watson - That run home did a world of good for the Wizard as he was in big game after big game and he just got better in the key moments. 7 goals in finals is insane. Will start the season knowing he belongs, with a pre-season, a stronger body, and a bigger tank, competition is not ready for what he will bring.

1. James Sicily - Is the best defender in the game. Now with support around him, will be an absolute nightmare to match up as he roams around the back half of the ground with more freedom, taking intercept marks, and lacing bullet passes up the field for fun, and drift forward more often as well.

 

[fairdinks]

my list, without adding those I think are already A grade, includes:
Connor Mac. I think he could push to being one of the classiest mid/forwards in the game in 2025. I still see Rozee/Butters comparisons but perhaps more forward.
Weddle. Will be an interesting year for Josh as we don't really know where he will predominantly play. The guy just has physical abilities far in excess of most others.
Cam Mac. He will continue to grow into a highly skilled and solid midfielder. Is looking great in the preseason so far (based on photos and reports).
Meek. He now believes and is entering his peek age for a ruckman. Could he add more tricks to his already solid 2024 form?
WIZ. Who knows what his ceiling is? He seems to be such a hard worker which allays my fears he could potentially coast.

A graders or B+ in my opinion: Day, Newk, Battle, Barrass, Scrim, Worple.

 

[OnTheRocks]

 Nash every year he gets better & i doubt this year will be no different. Should play a very important role, not only competing against the oppos best but beating them.
 Scrim last year he was excellent & with the dynamic of the side now & with what its capable of, I'm looking for him to take his talents to the next level.
PCM & AA in 2025
 Weddle expecting him to just tear some games apart & be unstoppable. With improved & more reliable use of the ball no doubt will give oppo a genuine fear factor every time he gets his hands on it.
Sicily forward will want to kick bags & bags of goals, he'll demand it be kicked to him so he can. I expect multiple 6 & 7+ goal games.
If he stays back it will be same ol' same ol' win win
Serong or Mitchell? Jai to be knocking on the door for a call up early in the season & then expecting him to have his Shinning moment and smash his way through the door. Should be a big year for him with lots to look forward to.

 

[HedgeFund]

Amon - his 2021/22 output for Port was more prolific than what he’s produced with the Hawks. Time to step up to that level again. Now that the side is performing at a higher level, I think he will find ways to get more involved between the arcs in 2025.

Weddle - had two years to settle/ develop and frankly he could be the best player in the comp pretty soon.

Ward - I saw a lot that I liked in his last few outings. Seems to have learnt from going back to the 2s and soaking up the coaching feedback.

Maginness - physically excellent and works so hard to improve his deficiencies. A team mate you can absolutely rely upon to leave no stone unturned. Will almost certainly improve again due to his effort (ie. not “natural improvement”, which frankly doesn’t exist)

McDonald - as mentioned before I think he showed some excellent traits in a few games during the second half of the season. Whilst it’s tough to be week-in/out consistent as a HFF I reckon he’s the most likely to improve in the front 6.

 

[Baz_hawk]

5. Anderson: Not expecting him to be a big feature in the seniors but he's build is AFL ready and I think if he gets a good run at it we'll see him out there at some stage.
4. Hill: Under the radar pick, we let go of Bennetts to acquire him and I feel like we did rate Bennetts so I think internally they rate him highly. Hard part of the ground to break into but if his skills are up to it, his other attributes will make him hard to ignore.
3. Lewis: Hasn't caught a break with injury in his career but is looking strong and driven. With Chol and Dear emerging and Sicily a possibility to be thrown forward, he could be a real headache this year. Expecting him to be back around mid season and hopefully he can have a good run at it and build confidence.
2. D'Ambrosio: Had a outstanding first season for us, will be subjected to a lot more attention this year so I'm keen to watch and see how he grows as a player. If he can add more scoreboard damage to his game and overcome the extra attention he will be a huge part of our success
1. MacKenzie: late last year he really started to look like he belongs, and I expect he'll take his game to the next level. Calm, composed and very damaging with ball in hand. Looks like he's added some core strength and is prime for a breakout season

 

[Leather Poisoning]

1. CMac
2. Watson
3. Meek - has he got another level to go to?
4. Sicily - all that recruiting is going to mean he can play wherever Mitchell wants him
5. Mitch Lewis - Would love to see this guy come in and have a strong season

 

[extractasam]

1. C.Mackenzie - Greasy footy games under lights a lot next year, clean ball use is going to stand out and this guy has it. If he can combine this with staying in games for longer he will be our most improved player by far.

2. J. Weddle - I know everyone thinks his natural trajectory is to go into a wing and have 20 and 2 every week, but I reckon he’s out Mr.Fix it and will be thrown everywhere to the detriment of his own stat sheet. It will be so important for us once again though to have this chess piece.

3. N.Watson - He’s going to get so much attention next year and I feel 40+ goals is his benchmark, yet he’s only 1/4 of our small forward plethora.

4. T.Barrass - If he can play 15+ games that’s a lot less anxiety I have to deal with watching high balls into our defence. I just think he transforms our side and he will relish playing in our system and hopefully brings some good ideas over from prime West Coast weagles web.

5. J.Scrimshaw - His finals series was so good. He was getting peppered against port and he was catching everything, winning one on ones, rarely turning it over. If he maintains that effort level around his fitness he’s AA level. You can’t combat what he does

 

[cryptor]

I've included a few left field names to keep it fresh...

I can see Ned Reeves re-staking his claim to the number 1 ruck spot. He was on a pretty good trajectory prior to last season. Injuries and unfavourable changes to ruck rules really derailed him. But following the US training trip during the off season break and being able to hopefully complete a full preseason this year, I think he's one that could challenge again.

Jack Ginnivan had a terrific season and his career average numbers spiked across the board due to being trusted with a roaming role. It seemingly came from nowhere given he was never given that opportunity at the Pies. He's come back looking in great shape and with a point to prove. He creates external pressure for himself, but is clearly determined to back it up.

Sam Butler put in a huge preseason last year, particularly with his running, but sadly lost his season to that broken leg. It doesn't seem to have hurt his running capacity based on preseason reports, so I'm hoping to see a big season from him this year.

It's clear to me listening to Will Day speak that he is completely over having injuries get in the way of him reaching his goals. Hitting his prime age now and has had a massive development with his body over the last couple years. It's not the Nat Fyfe bulk some thought he might have, but it is a strong and conditioned build that is well suited to the high intensity, fast ball movement game of today.

And finally, Max Ramsden. There has been plenty of quiet confidence about what he could be from within the footy department since we drafted him. I didn't get to see a lot of VFL last year, but I do recall one game late season where Ramma was effectively playing between CHB, ruck and CHF. He looked comfortable in the role and it made me think of a Ben McEvoy and Max Gawn hybrid. Not sure if he's ready to take his game to consistent AFL games level, but if he is then it will be huge for our structure.

 

[OsakaHawk]

Good thread topic

1. Barrass. When this sets in we will get Lake like love. He will be a force
2. Wizard. He has just begun and he will rip a new one this year. A million Hawthorn kids will dress as wizards by years end
3. Will Day will again go up a notch. He is an absolute gun and a competitive madman
4. Jai N looks scary in preseason. My eyes get bruised just looking at him. He will do some stupidly things this year you watech.
5. I’m going to go slightly less obvious and say Croc. I think he’s under rated but by years end will be talked about as one of the elite players of the comp.

Honorable mentions (too many - tomorrow I could have another 10 such is my confidence this year. Didn’t even mention Weddle or Mass or Impey or Sicily or Moorey or…actually maybe I did)

According to the 10 second search that I did there are approximately 4.7 million children aged 0-14 years living in Australia. So, about 20% or so Hawks supporters sounds about right

 

[Simon Crawshay]

I've included a few left field names to keep it fresh...

I can see Ned Reeves re-staking his claim to the number 1 ruck spot. He was on a pretty good trajectory prior to last season. Injuries and unfavourable changes to ruck rules really derailed him. But following the US training trip during the off season break and being able to hopefully complete a full preseason this year, I think he's one that could challenge again.

Jack Ginnivan had a terrific season and his career average numbers spiked across the board due to being trusted with a roaming role. It seemingly came from nowhere given he was never given that opportunity at the Pies. He's come back looking in great shape and with a point to prove. He creates external pressure for himself, but is clearly determined to back it up.

Sam Butler put in a huge preseason last year, particularly with his running, but sadly lost his season to that broken leg. It doesn't seem to have hurt his running capacity based on preseason reports, so I'm hoping to see a big season from him this year.

It's clear to me listening to Will Day speak that he is completely over having injuries get in the way of him reaching his goals. Hitting his prime age now and has had a massive development with his body over the last couple years. It's not the Nat Fyfe bulk some thought he might have, but it is a strong and conditioned build that is well suited to the high intensity, fast ball movement game of today.

And finally, Max Ramsden. There has been plenty of quiet confidence about what he could be from within the footy department since we drafted him. I didn't get to see a lot of VFL last year, but I do recall one game late season where Ramma was effectively playing between CHB, ruck and CHF. He looked comfortable in the role and it made me think of a Ben McEvoy and Max Gawn hybrid. Not sure if he's ready to take his game to consistent AFL games level, but if he is then it will be huge for our structure.

A couple of real dark horses there cryptor, I admire your gumption to back them in

 

[cryptor]

A couple of real dark horses there cryptor, I admire your gumption to back them in

I think there's going to be a lot of players putting in career best years from the generally accepted best 22. Figured I'd mention a few of the less talked abouts who might surprise.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

 Nash every year he gets better & i doubt this year will be no different. Should play a very important role, not only competing against the oppos best but beating them.
 Scrim last year he was excellent & with the dynamic of the side now & with what its capable of, I'm looking for him to take his talents to the next level.
PCM & AA in 2025
 Weddle expecting him to just tear some games apart & be unstoppable. With improved & more reliable use of the ball no doubt will give oppo a genuine fear factor every time he gets his hands on it.
Sicily forward will want to kick bags & bags of goals, he'll demand it be kicked to him so he can. I expect multiple 6 & 7+ goal games.
If he stays back it will be same ol' same ol' win win
Serong or Mitchell? Jai to be knocking on the door for a call up early in the season & then expecting him to have his Shinning moment and smash his way through the door. Should be a big year for him with lots to look forward to.

Toot, toot all aboard the Scrimmers Train 2025 edition!

Very much enjoying the Scrimmers love so far, he really should have probably been an AA (at very least a squad inclusion) in 2024 he was that good last year.

 

[Dewyyyyy]

In terms of big on, I’ve gone with some who I believe will make a huge impact in the teams dynamic and success, but also some who will break out and stake a claim. This mixture will continue to provide continuous improvement within the season and propel the team into a position to compete and possibly win the flag.

Honourable mentions:
J. Sicily - Seeing James with a backline that has A Grade level key defenders, lockdown smalls and running defenders, aswell as other intercept players to take the focus at times. He will be able to play the genuine quarterback role and dominate. Setting the game up, repelling attacks and floating forward, he could have a mammoth year.
T.Barrass - Key for the teams success next year. Big bodied gorilla defender who can take the main forward, keep him relatively quiet and also provide good offensive performances and intercepting. He and Battle are big inclusions.
C. Mackenzie - Will be important with him continuing to improve his tank. With his cleanliness and skills being top notch, he has also shown a good mix of outside and inside class and toughness, with more night games he could be a golden token.

5 - N.Mraz - Abit left field with the fact he may not play too many games, but his showing so far in the pre-season has been impressionable. Skills, fitness, strength. Lots to like, and abit of swagger and confidence to go with it.
4 - W.Day - With him able to hopefully get some continuity he could be a huge presence, and a dominant figure in the side and the competition. His skill and toughness, ability to play multiple positions and genuine star power he is one that everyone will be big on and hopefully playing a full season.
3 - J.Newcombe - Even more so than Day. Power, strength, skill and pure star level talent. His last month or two of footy was one of the best in the competition. He is in Brownlow contention for 2025 100%. Will be a massive asset the whole year, his ability to power away from stoppage, be a good defensive tackler, use his powerful right foot, with class to go with it. Added in a good level of scoreboard impact, which will definitely continue to rise. Key for him is his speed which he’s worked on heaps and has said was still the focus. Scary proposition.
2 - M. Lewis - Not sure when he’ll be back, hopefully before the mid season break, ahead of schedule so good signs. But a big power forward with the strut and ability to break open the game. Not many have his running capacity, power in the air and ability to finish, especially his set shot reliability (within 40 or even outside 50-55). His calling at CHF to be the beacon of the side will be a huge factor in the success in 2025.
1 - J. Ward - I’ve always been a huge Ward fan, and I’ve put him here on the fact that he has shown massive signs in the latter part of 2025 and at other points but we are only scraping the top of the iceberg. 2025 is where it could flip on its head and he’ll open his game and talents to be a focal point in the side. As mentioned with Mackenzie his class and cleanliness will be important in more night games. Key tho, is his overall game. He has the class, precision ball use, power and speed from stoppage, creativity, toughness and defensive intent. With a breakout he could be someone who can amass the ball using his running capacity, deliver the ball with elegant usage by hand and foot and provide great breakaway class around stoppages and intent both sides of the ball. The genuine two way runner, with impact both sides of the ball.

These are all quite optimistic views and perspectives. Ward might not break out, Lewis may take time to return, Newcombe mightn’t take that next step to superstar level, Day may not able to gain continuity and Mraz may not play all year. But the positive outlook is deafening for season 2025.