Player Watch 19 Jack Gunston

[Messenger]

traded from Adelaide.

 

[Baz_hawk]

Jack Gunston

Background:
Drafted to Adelaide from the Sandringham Dragons with pick 29 in the 2009 AFL national draft. Prior to being drafted he had suffered a severe injury to his elbow. The injury left him sidelined and required surgery to put his elbow back into place.
Gunston was linked to a number of clubs but was almost a certainty to go to the Crows.

Draft prospect footage:
[YOUTUBE]aSxvSug1RUw[/YOUTUBE]

Career:
Gunston made his debut in round 9 of 2010 against the Brisbane Lions, collecting 9 disposals and kicking a goal. He would be omitted before getting another chance in round 18 against the tigers.

Gunston managed to cement his spot in Adelaide's line up in 2011, playing 12 games and kicking 19 goals, including a bag of 5 against Richmond in round 23.

Highlights posted by HawkTV:
[YOUTUBE]BSA6CjTBxSE[/YOUTUBE]

Statistics:

http://www.afl.com.au/statistics/tabid/73/default.aspx#page=career&playerids=21578&playerid=21578

What the coach thinks:

Jack Gunston will wear the number 19 guersney in season 2012.

Jack’s a player we recruited from the Adelaide Crows at the end of 2011 in a trade that involved Jarrad Boumann and some draft picks we sent to Greater Western Sydney.

We’re really hopeful that Jack will play a significant role at our Club in the next few years.

He was recruited from the Sandringham Dragons at the end of 2009 and spent two years on the Crows’ list. He’s played 14 games of football with Adelaide, 12 from the season just gone, and kicked around 20 goals.

We think Jack’s developed nicely over the last couple of years and we were quite keen on picking him up in the 2009 draft, but Adelaide obviously beat us to the punch, so we’re delighted to be able to secure his services now.

We look forward to the influence he might have on our front-end, in particular in the weeks ahead as we get prepared for the 2012 season.

Young Jack’s got a bit of height about him at six foot three inches, but we need to add a bit of bulk to him if we want him to play in a key position.

One of the strengths of his game is his agility and his uncanny knack of being able to win the ball in the front-half and convert those opportunities into goals.

Full article...
http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/4742/newsid/128177/default.aspx

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Jack will be wearing the number 19 guernsey for Hawthorn and will no doubt be aiming for a round 1 debut for his new club!

 

[Baz_hawk]

Gunston debuts

Jack Gunston made his debut in the brown and gold in round 1 against Collingwood. Gunston started as the substitute and came on midway through the third quarter. Whilst only playing participating in 37% of the game, Gunston collected 7 disposals, 2 goal assists and kicked 1 goal 1. Gunston made an impressive debut and slotted a great goal at a crucial time in the match. Gunston also managed 4 marks (1 contested) and provided the Hawks with an extra target up forward.

Gunston replaced Boumman who was subbed out of the game.

Here is Gunston's first goal in the brown and gold for your viewing pleasure...

 

[Miss_Hawk_Fan]

 

[Miss_Hawk_Fan]

 

[Miss_Hawk_Fan]

 

[Baz_hawk]

Round 2
Gunston again started as the Sub and was given a little over half of the final term to have an impact. With The hawks struggling to move the ball effectively in the blustery conditions Gunston didn't manage to have any real impact on the game as the Hawks went down by 2 points.

Stats:
4 disposals (4 kicks)
2 Contested Possessions
2 marks (1 contested)
1 Inside 50
1 behind

Round 3
Gunston got his first full game against the Crows in round 3. Playing as a third tall in the forward line his impact wasn't really felt. Whilst he was able to do some nice things and slot a goal he seeemed to be lacking in confidence and getting into the wrong spots and being held out of a contest easily. Obviously he is still young and with a bit of extra muscle he will be able to throw himself around more effectively.

Stats:
10 disposals (4 kicks, 6 Handballs)
3 contested possessions
4 marks (1 contested)
1 Inside 50
1 goal / 1 goal assist

Round 4
Again Gunston started on the field, this time against the eagles. With the game being of a very scrappy nature due to the poor conditions and poor ball use it really wasn't a game for a tall forward. That said in this age of footy the bigger guys are still expected to contribute and Gunston was well held throughout the match, only managing the 8 disposals in a very low scoring affair. He managed to kick one behind but went unsighted for large chunks of the game. With a number of players in line to return for the round 5 clash with the Swans, Gunston will no doubt be under pressure to hold his spot.

Stats:
8 Disposals (4 kicks, 4 handballs)
7 contested possessions
2 marks
1 clearance
2 inside 50's
1 behind

 

[Baz_hawk]

Round 5

Jack Gunston was dropped from the Hawks senior side for its round 5 clash against the Swans. Gunston failed to line up for Box Hill and is apparently carrying a slight niggle. No real details available on the extent of the injury or what area it affects but he could line up for Box Hill this weekend and hopefully find his feet and work his way back into the Hawks team

 

[MF_Hawks]

he needs to increase his workrate before he gets a game in the seniors

 

[Baz_hawk]

Agree with you MF.

Round 7
After a poor match by Gunston and most of the Box Hill team against Casey, Gunston bounced back with by kicking a bag of 7 against Frankston. Reports from those at the ground suggest he was attacking the ball and took some strong contested grabs.

Box Hill site had this to say about Gunston:

Jack Gunston: A standout. Gunston finished the day booting seven majors as well as handing off a couple more. His hands were clean and continually caused trouble for the Roosters’ defence. Finished with nine marks and 20 disposals.

Whilst unlikely to get called upon this week, if he can repeat his performance in the next Box Hill match he'd be every chance to break back into the senior side.

 

[Baz_hawk]

Round 11

Gunston returned to the Hawks line up on the back of Jordan Lewis being suspended. Gunston was quiet early, struggling to draw the ball as the hawks went forward to other options. He seemed to lack the confidence and awareness that he displayed in the VFL side but would find some of that in the second quarter. He ended up with 2 goals and a single behind to his name. His kicking at goal for the first to attempts were flawless and his last shot he seemed to miss hit the ball and as a result missed the shot.

Gunston is clearly still developing as a player and needs to add some defensive pressure to his game as his tackling and second efforts were at times poor. When he was the sole Hawk player in the 50 he was outnumbered and not given a chance. Needs some added muscle just to help him in contested situations and to also impose himself more. Throughout the game he would fade in and out of the game, however the game wasn't really a good one to judge as after the first quarter it was a real slog for both sides and the ball was in dispute and on the deck for a lot of the time.

Statistics for the game:
Kicks: 7
Handballs: 4
Disposals: 11
Goals: 2
Behinds: 1
Marks: 7
Contested Marks: 1
Contested Possessions: 3
Uncontested Marks: 8
Tackles: 3

 

[Baz_hawk]

Round 12

Gunston showed some promising signs in what was unfavourable conditions for tall forwards. Wet weather footy at times meant that the ball was often at ground level and Gunston was still able to perform quite well, missing a few opportunities in front of goal but still finishing with 2 for the match.

Jack finished the game with 13 disposals (most disposals as a Hawk to date), with 10 contested possessions. This was probably the first match where I personally felt that Gunston was really willing to back himself and attack the ball. He only laid the 2 tackles but his work when the ball went to ground was solid and he won his own ball a number of times. He finished with 2 goals 4 behinds and set up Buddy with a goal assist.

Match stats:
Kicks: 6
Handballs: 7
Disposals: 13
Goals: 2
Behinds: 4
Goal Assists: 1
Marks: 1
Contested Marks: 1
Contested Possessions: 10
Uncontested Marks: 0
Tackles: 2
1%: 4

 

[Cynic]

Good reviews.

Still not sure what to think of Gunston, I like how he adds a different sort of threat to our forward line however. As you said in his round 11 review I still think he needs to watch the other members of our forward line for lessons on how to tackle and exert pressure.

 

[Baz_hawk]

Round 14

Gunston came out and had a great game for the Hawks against the Blues. Whilst I didnt feel he was up to the level that he showed against the Lions in round 12 he was more potent in front of goal and created an extra headache for the carlton defense. He attacked the ball well and showed glimpses of defensive pressure which is an area that is still his biggest weakness. Jack slotted 3 majors and really looked dangerous when the ball went in his direction. He was subbed out in the third quarter when the game was all but won.

Stats:

Kicks: 6
Handballs: 4
Disposals: 10
Goals: 3
Behinds: 0
Goal Assists: 2
Marks: 3
Contested Marks: 0
Contested Possessions: 3
Uncontested Marks: 3
Tackles: 1

Round 15

In a Hawthorn outfit which slammed on 28 goals against a helpless GWS side Gunston was one of the few that wasn't able to have much of an influence on the game. He managed to slot a goal from a free kick but went unsighted for long periods of time as the Hawks continued to pile on goals. Even after Franklin went down with an injury Gunston never really came into the game. He works hard off the ball but was never able to get himself into the game.

Kicks: 7
Handballs: 2
Disposals: 9
Goals: 1
Behinds: 1
Goal Assists: 0
Marks: 5
Contested Marks: 0
Contested Possessions: 1
Uncontested Marks: 0
Tackles: 3
1%: 2

Round 16

With Lance Franklin sidelined with a hamstring injury and no real replacement coming into the line up Gunston was going to be looked at to be a more key target. Schoenmakers was thrown forward with Gilham brought into the side and Gunston was given the third tall role that he has played so often this year. With no Buddy in the forward line drawing the ball to him the inside 50's were shared amongst the forwards and Gunston really started to show some very positive signs. For mine I felt he really stepped up early, demanding the ball and getting in good position for the midfielders to spot him up. Gunston finished with 4, his best return for the Hawks to date. Whilst a very good player for us in the win, he still lacks the second effort and the ability to win his own ball which is something that I'm sure the coaches will be looking to improve and add to his game over the next year or 2.

Stats:

Kicks: 10
Handballs: 3
Disposals: 13
Goals: 4
Behinds: 1
Goal Assists: 0
Marks: 9
Contested Marks: 1
Contested Possessions: 1
Uncontested Marks: 8
Tackles: 0
1%: 1

 

[caliente]

absolutely brilliant against the Pies with 3 goals and 2 selfless score assists. So young (24 games!) and you can see he has some serious filling out to do physically, but showing all the signs of becoming a superstar. Hard working lead-up combined with the footy intelligence to find space, great hands in the marking contest and a reliable set shot for goal with an effective no fuss kicking action.

He loves a goal, and looks to be finding his niche at the Brown and Gold... got to say he has me excited for the future of our great club!

 

[spudmaster]

It's so enjoyable to have a player that is such a reliable kick on goal too.
Not taking anything away from the likes of Buddy and Rough by any means, but at the moment he's very Willow-esque with his kicking. Clean action, clean run up, who knows whether he has the fancy trick shots of others or the ability to kick from 60 out on angles, but a forward target that can consistently slot them from 35-45 on slight angles is a god send. He adds something different to an already powerful forward setup.

 

[Mitchell Madness]

Love his kicking, only player at our club, that when taking a set shot, I don't feel like I drank a 2 month old carton of milk

Dare I say it, best set shot in the AFL, and couldnt be a better player to wear piggy's number

 

[Baz_hawk]

Round 17: V Collingwood

Gunston played his best game of his career for mine. Admittedly I only caught a couple of his games for Adelaide (inc the 5 goal game) but against the Pies he was outstanding. Drifted out of the game a little late but apart from that he was fantastic. You can tell he is really relishing not having Buddy in the side as it gives him more of a chance to draw the ball to him and he has really put his hand up as a genuine lead up target. His set shot accuracy this year has been exceptional with his current tally sitting at 15.2. I'm not sure if there is anyone in the competition that is converting set shots as high as he is. What Gunston showed against the Pies was not only the ability to play as a key forward but also his versatility and ability to work his way up the ground and win his own ball. He was involved in a number of plays which resulted in goals and was even spotted in defense on a number of occasions helping to mop up. There were question marks after a few weeks where he was a little down on confidence and didn't look to have settled into the gameplan all that well but his past few weeks he has been building and building. Gunston's statistics don't really tell the story as far as his impact and influence on the game. He comprehensively outplayed Brown and really looked at home.

Stats:

Kicks: 13
Handballs: 8
Disposals: 21
Goals: 3
Behinds: 1
Goal Assists: 2
Marks: 4
Contested Marks: 1
Contested Possessions: 8
Uncontested Marks: 3
Tackles: 2
1%: 2
Inside 50: 4
Rebound 50: 1

 

[Baz_hawk]

Round 18 V Essendon

Gunston was lively early in the match and provided us with a strong marking target when going forward as the Hawks dominated the game. A huge spread of goal kickers from the Hawks meant that Gunston was able to push up the ground more and provide an option on the wing. Gunston drifted out of the game late as the Hawks had all the run and were able to score freely when going forward.

Kicks: 11
Handballs: 7
Disposals: 18
Goals: 3
Behinds: 3
Goal Assists: 1
Marks: 5
Contested Marks: 2
Contested Possessions: 11
Uncontested Marks: 3
Tackles: 1
Inside 50: 2

Round 19 V Geelong

With Buddy still absent from the forward line coming up against a solid defense that is Geelong was going to be a tough challenge for Jack. To his credit he worked hard and provided us with a great option going forward. What was most impressive about Gunston's game was his work around the ground and at his feet and his decision making. He finished the game with 4 goals, including a big goal from outside 50 at a crucial stage in the final term.

Kicks: 9
Handballs: 5
Disposals: 14
Goals: 4
Behinds: 0
Goal Assists: 1
Marks: 4
Contested Possessions: 6
Uncontested Marks: 4
Tackles: 2
Inside 50: 1
Rebound 50: 1

Round 20 V Port Adelaide

Gunston was relatively quiet in front of the sticks in contrast to recent weeks but still looked dangerous forward. Again he worked hard to provide an option but just couldn't make the impact that he had been able to do in the previous weeks.

Kicks: 7
Handballs: 7
Disposals: 14
Goals: 1
Behinds: 1
Goal Assists: 2
Marks: 4
Contested Possessions: 5
Uncontested Marks: 4
Tackles: 0
Inside 50: 1

Round 21 V Gold Coast

With Franklin a late withdrawal from the match the Hawks would look more to Gunston to give them an option up forward. Gunston managed to slot 4 goals and racked up 17 touches at 88% disposal efficiency. Whilst the GC side was depleted it was good to see Gunston work over his opponent and use his body well to get into a strong position to win the contest. Very promising signs for him as he develops as a player.

Kicks: 10
Handballs: 7
Disposals: 17
Goals: 4
Behinds: 1
Goal Assists: 1
Marks: 9
Contested Marks: 1
Contested Possessions: 5
Uncontested Marks: 8
Tackles: 2
1%: 4
Inside 50: 3

 

[MrFujiMoto]

Jack mastering his Manga running style I see! Super impressed by Gunstall this season, he will be a star for us in the future. We still have to get him to gel when the bud is in there I think.

 

[Baz_hawk]

Round 22 V Sydney

With the return of Lance Franklin to the side Gunston slotted back into the role of the third tall which took away that number one defender that he has on occasions been matched with. In what was a very tight and contested contest, Gunston remained relatively quiet throughout, managing to kick the one goal from a great piece of crumbing. Whilst his stats were down he still provided a great target going forward and brought the ball to ground on a number of occasions

Kicks: 5
Handballs: 4
Disposals: 9
Goals: 1
Behinds: 2
Goal Assists: 1
Marks: 3
Contested Possessions: 5
Uncontested Marks: 3
Tackles: 3
1%: 2
Inside 50: 2

Round 23 V West Coast

The final match of the home and away season for the Hawks saw Gunston kick 3 goals. Whilst again he didn't really feature on the stats sheet, Gunston managed to kick a goal a quarter before being subbed late in the 3rd term. His third quarter goal was a much needed goal and really helped the Hawks break the deadlock that had been applied all quarter by the Eagles.

Kicks: 3
Handballs: 4
Disposals: 7
Goals: 3
Behinds: 0
Marks: 2
Contested Possessions: 2
Tackles: 2
Inside 50: 1

End of Home and Away season stats:

Games: 16
Kicks: 110
Handballs: 75
Disposals: 185 (Avg 11.6)
Marks: 68
Contested marks: 11
Marks inside 50: 25
Contested Possessions: 73
Uncontested Possessions: 113
Tackles: 25
Goals: 33
Goal assists: 14
Behinds: 18
1%: 19
Inside 50s: 26
Clearances: 7

 

[dlindsay]

Its always interesting to look back to see what we gave up for our trades and see what they picks have done, this is fron an article on Fox Sports link

Jack Gunston
The former Crow impressed in Adelaide but homesickness led to his return to Victoria. He's been vital for the Hawks as a third tall forward, with his versatility powering the AFL's best attacking side. Went for a hefty sum of three draft picks, 24 (Henry Schade), 46 (Nick Joyce) and 64 (Cam Ellis-Yolmen). A flag would make it all worth it.

 

[Baz_hawk]

Jack Gunston
Season 2012 Player Review

Statistical breakdown

Games: 19 (missed round 5-10 & 13)​

Kicks: 139​

Handballs: 87​

Disposals: 226​

Marks: 78​

Goals: 39​

Behinds: 22​

Tackles: 29​

​

Virtual ratings:

Supercoach: $394 800 (+$92 100)​

Average Score: 72.8​

Dreamteam: $328 100 (+$24 700)​

Average Score: 62.3​

​

Jack Gunston was traded to Hawthorn in the off season from Adelaide to add an extra dimension to our forward structure. The young forward was seen by many talent spotters as a future star and Hawthorn had apparently shown interest several years back when he was coming through the draft. Gunston made his debut for the Hawks in round 1, starting as the substitute against the Pies. He would come on in the final term and slot an important goal. Gunston's form would fade away and he would lose his spot in the 22 in round 5. Injury kept him out of both the seniors and box hill side for a week or 2 before he returned to Box Hill, slotting 7 goals and really pushing his case for a senior call up.

Gunston would receive his call up for the round 11 clash and still would struggle to find his feet but showed some promising signs, he would continue to show signs of improvement and display why the Hawks chased him in the trade period as the year went on. Gunston really emerged late in the season when star forward Lance Franklin went down with a hamstring injury. This loss proved to be a huge gain for Gunston, as he became one of the key targets going forward and drew the ball. His match against the Pies in round 17 was one of his best for the club, racking up 21 disposals and kicking 3 goals as well as setting up 2 more. Going into the match there were questions raised in the media about how the Hawks would go against the Pies without having a permanent big bodied forward which made Gunston's game even more impressive. In fact, in the six games that Franklin was absent Gunston kicked 19 goals and had a serious presence in the forward line.

Going into the 2013 preseason I suspect the coaching staff and Gunston will look to focus on a number of areas that could be improved upon to make Gunston a better all round player. His defensive pressure needs some work as in a side where all of the forwards are good at applying this pressure, he seems to be lacking in comparison. No doubt a few extra kegs on his frame would be planned to make him a much more competitive forward in a marking jostile. For mine, Gunston exceeded my expectations after a shaky start in the brown and gold. Not knowing a great deal about him when he came to the club probably helped keep my expectations low. If Gunston can get an uninterrupted preseason into him we could see a breakout year in 2013!

 

[Roughies Boys]

Best Player at Hawthorn! =D

 

[GinniAndTonic]

Bump this thread what a gun he has been for us