Gunston builds toward return as Hawks ready for highly anticipated new era

Hawthorn star Jack Gunston is still working his way back to full fitness, as the Hawks continue to weigh up whether there should be a change in captaincy this season.

There is much anticipation at Waverley Park as the club begins a fresh era under new coach Sam Mitchell.

The Hawks have avoided any major injuries through the pre-season to date, but Gunston and Will Day have yet to join in all drills.

Jack Gunston. Credit:Getty Images

Gunston’s summer campaign was interrupted when he tested positive for coronavirus, but he has since rejoined the club and trained on Monday. He has completed blocks of training and is building towards a full return, having managed only one match last season because of a significant back issue which required surgery. How he pulls up in coming weeks could determine whether he logs time in a practice match against Collingwood in February and the AAMI Community Series match against Richmond on March 5.

The All-Australian forward has an important role to play, not the least in helping to mentor the emerging Justin Koschitzke, who is training well after shoulder surgery at the beginning of the pre-season.

Jack Gunston is tackled during round seven of the 2021 season. Credit:Getty Images

Day was restricted to five matches last season because of an ankle issue and is being closely monitored. He has yet to rejoin full training but is in excellent condition.

James Sicily, a captaincy candidate, is back in full training and ready to make an imprint, having missed the past 20 months after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in 2020.

Jarman Impey has made excellent progress after an ankle issue, while Changkuoth Jiath is ready for a strong campaign, having injured his posterior cruciate ligament late last season.

As all clubs begin fine-tuning their programs ahead of practice matches, the Hawks have a call to make on whether McEvoy retains the captaincy. He has held the role for only one season, and his leadership credentials are strong. But, at 32, the Hawks may opt for a younger man, and there are options. Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell, 28, returned to his best form last season and has previously expressed interest in the top role. Jaeger O’Meara, soon to turn 28, has also said he is keen to lead the club one day.

Midfielder James Worpel, a former Geelong Falcons co-captain and Vic Country captain, is seen as a future leader but, at 23, one theory is that he is better off focusing more on his own game in the short-term.

While there was a feeling among many at Waverley that the time was right for a coaching change, replacing four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson won’t be an easy task for Mitchell, particularly if there are prolonged on-field struggles.

Mitchell was known for his direct and ruthless streak as a four-time premiership player but understands that approach needs softening as a coach.

Former three-time premiership defender Andy Collins, a long-time Mitchell supporter and now back at the club in charge of development, said Mitchell had thrived in building relationships.

“You can’t really coach effectively until you have a relationship with a player. People that have worked with Sam as a player to now [know] that is Sam’s one wood,” Collins said.

“You could ring up any of the Hawthorn development players and Box Hill players and his relationship with players is a big piece. If anything, it is nice for an older guy to be learning from a younger guy on the importance of relationships.”

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