Welcome Welcome to the Hawks Jack Scrimshaw

[beta_condition]

Gives me slightly more hope.

 

[Matt Stevic]

Welcome Tracy.

 

[Mojo]

Why would he move in with Sam Mitchell and his three young kids, when the Scrimshaw family live in bayside Melbourne?

Lol.

I think he was probably being facetious. But seriously, send him to Sam Mitchell's.

 

[BlueWaterHawk]

What’s Skrillex like for pace?

As an HBF with designs on being a mid, I’d imagine he’d have to have some speed. Is he at least quicker than Howe?

Have to say I'm a big fan of the name.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

 

[Mojo]

Very much so mate! It feels like hes coming home in more ways than one!

What kind of boy do you have, Gromma?

Is he a confident kid? Social? Successful at school? Any bits and pieces would be lovely.

 

[Snoref]

Highlights from his draft year:
http://www.goldcoastfc.com.au/video/2016-11-25/draftee-highlights-jack-scrimshaw

This guy reminds me so much of Birch but with better contested marking ability..

 

[kazzooka]

Favourite player is Birch apparently. Strap him to him over the next 2 years to learn the ropes.

Will he learn a lot watching Birch play Xbox with his leg in a cast?

 

[MrPremiership]

Will he learn a lot watching Birch play Xbox with his leg in a cast?

But Birchall’s leg isn’t in a cast

 

[Slick]

Gives me slightly more hope.

Now if Scrimshaw's next season could be like Burton's breakout season, that would be fantastic!

The kid clearly has potential, you don't go at pick 7 without it. The key will be providing him with the environment to flourish and develop. He's going to be able to play and learn his craft from the likes of Birchall, Stratton and Sicily down back, be taught by Clarko, Chris Newman and Darren Glass and be mentored and lead by professionals like Roughead, Tom Mitchell and Gunston. What more can he ask for? Time to knuckle down young fella.

 

[The BIG X]

Great post Gromma

 

[MJA33]

Awesome post and insight Gromma! This kid is one I am really excited about with the upside huge from what I have read.
Hasn’t had the best start to young career but if he can get body right and work hard and have the right mindset under hawks leadership I cant wait to see what he can do as the talent is obviously there!
We are all right behind him Gromma and it makes it extra special that he has brown and gold in his blood!

 

[dermott]

Thanks for your input Gromma. I wish Jack a long and successful career at the mighty Hawks.
AFL football is a demanding career for any young man but he will be in a great environment to achieve his dreams.
By the way, tell him not to take any notice of social media commentary.

 

[badgrill]

Gidday Mojo,

This is something I was asked to do a short while ago, its probably a bit more than you asked for but simple to give you so please forgive the mostly cut and paste stuff with updates edited in...hope you find it a good read.

Ill try to keep this unbiased!

He is reserved if not quiet in unknown company but a very likeable, mess around kid with those he knows well. He has a tight group of mates he has had grown up with at school and through footy, some of them did OK in the draft, Polson, Florent, Setterfield, McGrath, Gallucci and Taranto amoungst others!! All very similar kids, love and are dedicated to their footy.

Jack was average at school, smart if he focused but always totally consumed with his footy and basketball. From a parents perspective, always banging my head against the wall to get him to put his footy down and open up his books! He also played rep BBall with the Sabres in Sandringham until forced to choose. Could also have been a good cricketer. Very hard in year 12 when you are in the AFL academy, playing state footy, school footy, TAC cup and trying to study!

When it comes to his footy, he never makes excuses but I can say the truth, that is he has had some frustrating set backs just prior to his draft leading up to mid last season when he finally started getting his body and mind right.

In early 2015, his U17 year, he had come off a stand out U16 national carnival (in 2014) for Vic Metro and was selected in the AFL academy (basically the all Australian side) and worked in that program until he was drafted. Kids without character dont come close to getting into this program BTW. He was one of only two Vic Metro players chosen. (the other was Jordan Gallucci. now at Adelaide). Anyway, early 2015 after just after being selected to play for Vic Metro at bottom age, he had a routine check up and the Metro doc noticed some inflexibility in his left hip and requested a scan. They found a small impingement, part of the hip bone that was larger. It wasnt stopping him playing but the docs thought it would be a restriction at professional level and recommended to have an op to basically scrape the bone away and free him up. The aim was to have him ready for his draft year.

The op was a success but the recovery was more than 15 weeks so he missed most of his bottom age year. When you hear Matthew Lloyd talk, this is when he knew him at Haileybury (school) and it no doubt frustrated Llloydy that he wasnt playing. For school he was told by the Metro docs to go easy and I think this is where Lloydy saw him as needing to do more work, when actually he wasnt allowed to! Haileybury footy is now headed up by Matthew Lloyd and before him, Stewart Loewe, whos son was in the lower year to Jack. Both Lloydy and Stewie have told me Jack was the best junior player they ever saw but I reckon Gunna would hold that mantle atm.

Jack Gunstan played junior footy at Beaumaris, then Sandringham Dragons and went to school at Haileybury, same as Jack Scrimshaw!

His first game back after his op was an incredible day for all of us! He played in the AFL Academy team vs the U18 All Stars on the G as the curtain raiser to the Hawks 2015 flag! What a day!

He played for just 20mins and from memory he kicked three goals and did well. Next he was flown off to Tampa with the academy where he attempted to do too much and sustained a stress fracture in his heel from poor boots/shoes. That put him out for the back half of that pre-season and the docs conservatively put him in a moon boot for another 6 weeks! Jack returned to play school footy from around the May 2016 of his draft year, way behind his teamates with his fitness and ability to run out a game. Prior to his op he was running 14.3 beeps, elite for a kid his height. This indicates hard work done earlier to get there.

He played very well at school then went straight into the Nationals representing Vic Metro in May/June 2016. He played a stand out game considering v SA which basically secured them the title. He played his first game in the TAC cup in approx round 15 2016 and I think was the first player to represent Australia and Vic Metro without ever playing a TAC Cup game. Theres some trivia for you!

His season ended with 23 possessions and a great game in the Sandringham Dragons flag. Of course he ended up going pick 7 in the 2016 draft and off to the Gold Coast!

I wont say too much about his time at the Suns other than his frustrating minor set backs like a hip flexor, bone spur in his foot, fractured cheek and a KO added to his homesickness. This lack of match fitness frustrated him, effected his confidence and got him down and probably a lack of maturity and experience made it tough for him. He was drafted by Rocket Eade and Scott Clayton who were sacked the next season. He played his 4 games at the back end of 2017 at AFL level and a total of 17 for the year. His body was cooked by his 4th senior game after a gruelling year trying to get his body right.

Some not close to him, viewed this training and effort on field as being lazy or having an attitude problem, which is not the case at all. It was mostly fitness and frustration from not being able to get a good run at playing seniors. Mid season he mentioned he wouldnt mind coming home and thats where his agent took over and I believe the Hawks became interested.

The Suns have announced a large investment in player welfare for the coming years as part of their retention plans. Unfortunately this was coming too late for Jack. In a short window of time (March to May '18) when his head was not where it needs to be it would have been good to have the right level of mentoring, leadership and support around him.

Jack has barracked for the Hawks all his life, idolized Crawf and Willo in the 2000s and then later Buddy, Roughy, Cyril and Birch. If you look closely at the 2013 flag when Hilly runs into the open goal in the last, he runs to the fence and high fives Jack and his mate! He's wearing a yellow raincoat from memory!!!

Ive got no doubt this trade by the Hawks was a clever decision by Clarko and Wrighty. In just the first meeting with Clarko it has had a tremendous impact on him. He is really up and about! Fingers crossed if he can do a full pre-season, the Hawks fans will be delighted with him Im sure.

Next step, Kokoda which will be fantastic for him!

We are all very much looking forward to 2019! It cant come quick enough!

Brilliant, thanks so much for this really insightful peek into the early career of (hopefully) our next young gun.

It's awesome and quite a refreshing way to read about an AFL player from a personal perspective, so thanks so much!

 

[Stratton24]

Gidday Mojo,

This is something I was asked to do a short while ago, its probably a bit more than you asked for but simple to give you so please forgive the mostly cut and paste stuff with updates edited in...hope you find it a good read.

Ill try to keep this unbiased!

He is reserved if not quiet in unknown company but a very likeable, mess around kid with those he knows well. He has a tight group of mates he has had grown up with at school and through footy, some of them did OK in the draft, Polson, Florent, Setterfield, McGrath, Gallucci and Taranto amoungst others!! All very similar kids, love and are dedicated to their footy.

Jack was average at school, smart if he focused but always totally consumed with his footy and basketball. From a parents perspective, always banging my head against the wall to get him to put his footy down and open up his books! He also played rep BBall with the Sabres in Sandringham until forced to choose. Could also have been a good cricketer. Very hard in year 12 when you are in the AFL academy, playing state footy, school footy, TAC cup and trying to study!

When it comes to his footy, he never makes excuses but I can say the truth, that is he has had some frustrating set backs just prior to his draft leading up to mid last season when he finally started getting his body and mind right.

In early 2015, his U17 year, he had come off a stand out U16 national carnival (in 2014) for Vic Metro and was selected in the AFL academy (basically the all Australian side) and worked in that program until he was drafted. Kids without character dont come close to getting into this program BTW. He was one of only two Vic Metro players chosen. (the other was Jordan Gallucci. now at Adelaide). Anyway, early 2015 after just after being selected to play for Vic Metro at bottom age, he had a routine check up and the Metro doc noticed some inflexibility in his left hip and requested a scan. They found a small impingement, part of the hip bone that was larger. It wasnt stopping him playing but the docs thought it would be a restriction at professional level and recommended to have an op to basically scrape the bone away and free him up. The aim was to have him ready for his draft year.

The op was a success but the recovery was more than 15 weeks so he missed most of his bottom age year. When you hear Matthew Lloyd talk, this is when he knew him at Haileybury (school) and it no doubt frustrated Llloydy that he wasnt playing. For school he was told by the Metro docs to go easy and I think this is where Lloydy saw him as needing to do more work, when actually he wasnt allowed to! Haileybury footy is now headed up by Matthew Lloyd and before him, Stewart Loewe, whos son was in the lower year to Jack. Both Lloydy and Stewie have told me Jack was the best junior player they ever saw but I reckon Gunna would hold that mantle atm.

Jack Gunstan played junior footy at Beaumaris, then Sandringham Dragons and went to school at Haileybury, same as Jack Scrimshaw!

His first game back after his op was an incredible day for all of us! He played in the AFL Academy team vs the U18 All Stars on the G as the curtain raiser to the Hawks 2015 flag! What a day!

He played for just 20mins and from memory he kicked three goals and did well. Next he was flown off to Tampa with the academy where he attempted to do too much and sustained a stress fracture in his heel from poor boots/shoes. That put him out for the back half of that pre-season and the docs conservatively put him in a moon boot for another 6 weeks! Jack returned to play school footy from around the May 2016 of his draft year, way behind his teamates with his fitness and ability to run out a game. Prior to his op he was running 14.3 beeps, elite for a kid his height. This indicates hard work done earlier to get there.

He played very well at school then went straight into the Nationals representing Vic Metro in May/June 2016. He played a stand out game considering v SA which basically secured them the title. He played his first game in the TAC cup in approx round 15 2016 and I think was the first player to represent Australia and Vic Metro without ever playing a TAC Cup game. Theres some trivia for you!

His season ended with 23 possessions and a great game in the Sandringham Dragons flag. Of course he ended up going pick 7 in the 2016 draft and off to the Gold Coast!

I wont say too much about his time at the Suns other than his frustrating minor set backs like a hip flexor, bone spur in his foot, fractured cheek and a KO added to his homesickness. This lack of match fitness frustrated him, effected his confidence and got him down and probably a lack of maturity and experience made it tough for him. He was drafted by Rocket Eade and Scott Clayton who were sacked the next season. He played his 4 games at the back end of 2017 at AFL level and a total of 17 for the year. His body was cooked by his 4th senior game after a gruelling year trying to get his body right.

Some not close to him, viewed this training and effort on field as being lazy or having an attitude problem, which is not the case at all. It was mostly fitness and frustration from not being able to get a good run at playing seniors. Mid season he mentioned he wouldnt mind coming home and thats where his agent took over and I believe the Hawks became interested.

The Suns have announced a large investment in player welfare for the coming years as part of their retention plans. Unfortunately this was coming too late for Jack. In a short window of time (March to May '18) when his head was not where it needs to be it would have been good to have the right level of mentoring, leadership and support around him.

Jack has barracked for the Hawks all his life, idolized Crawf and Willo in the 2000s and then later Buddy, Roughy, Cyril and Birch. If you look closely at the 2013 flag when Hilly runs into the open goal in the last, he runs to the fence and high fives Jack and his mate! He's wearing a yellow raincoat from memory!!!

Ive got no doubt this trade by the Hawks was a clever decision by Clarko and Wrighty. In just the first meeting with Clarko it has had a tremendous impact on him. He is really up and about! Fingers crossed if he can do a full pre-season, the Hawks fans will be delighted with him Im sure.

Next step, Kokoda which will be fantastic for him!

We are all very much looking forward to 2019! It cant come quick enough!

Brilliant! Wish the journo’s would dig deep and get inside stories like this rather than go for trashy click bait.

 

[Buzz Hawk]

That’s just about post of the year. Thanks gromma.
I’m excited for the lad and wish him the very best, he’s come home in more ways than one.

 

[Garf]

I remember Ian as a hard-working winger or half forward, didn't make a huge impact.

Maybe his son has the talent.

Ian would be old enough to be his grandfather. I have vague memories of him playing in '75 when I was a kid.

 

[Goats]

Jack, welcome home.

See you down at the Lobster Cave.

Is he a Beaui boy?

 

[The German Hunter]

Gidday Mojo,

This is something I was asked to do a short while ago, its probably a bit more than you asked for but simple to give you so please forgive the mostly cut and paste stuff with updates edited in...hope you find it a good read.

Ill try to keep this unbiased!

He is reserved if not quiet in unknown company but a very likeable, mess around kid with those he knows well. He has a tight group of mates he has had grown up with at school and through footy, some of them did OK in the draft, Polson, Florent, Setterfield, McGrath, Gallucci and Taranto amoungst others!! All very similar kids, love and are dedicated to their footy.

Jack was average at school, smart if he focused but always totally consumed with his footy and basketball. From a parents perspective, always banging my head against the wall to get him to put his footy down and open up his books! He also played rep BBall with the Sabres in Sandringham until forced to choose. Could also have been a good cricketer. Very hard in year 12 when you are in the AFL academy, playing state footy, school footy, TAC cup and trying to study!

When it comes to his footy, he never makes excuses but I can say the truth, that is he has had some frustrating set backs just prior to his draft leading up to mid last season when he finally started getting his body and mind right.

In early 2015, his U17 year, he had come off a stand out U16 national carnival (in 2014) for Vic Metro and was selected in the AFL academy (basically the all Australian side) and worked in that program until he was drafted. Kids without character dont come close to getting into this program BTW. He was one of only two Vic Metro players chosen. (the other was Jordan Gallucci. now at Adelaide). Anyway, early 2015 after just after being selected to play for Vic Metro at bottom age, he had a routine check up and the Metro doc noticed some inflexibility in his left hip and requested a scan. They found a small impingement, part of the hip bone that was larger. It wasnt stopping him playing but the docs thought it would be a restriction at professional level and recommended to have an op to basically scrape the bone away and free him up. The aim was to have him ready for his draft year.

The op was a success but the recovery was more than 15 weeks so he missed most of his bottom age year. When you hear Matthew Lloyd talk, this is when he knew him at Haileybury (school) and it no doubt frustrated Llloydy that he wasnt playing. For school he was told by the Metro docs to go easy and I think this is where Lloydy saw him as needing to do more work, when actually he wasnt allowed to! Haileybury footy is now headed up by Matthew Lloyd and before him, Stewart Loewe, whos son was in the lower year to Jack. Both Lloydy and Stewie have told me Jack was the best junior player they ever saw but I reckon Gunna would hold that mantle atm.

Jack Gunstan played junior footy at Beaumaris, then Sandringham Dragons and went to school at Haileybury, same as Jack Scrimshaw!

His first game back after his op was an incredible day for all of us! He played in the AFL Academy team vs the U18 All Stars on the G as the curtain raiser to the Hawks 2015 flag! What a day!

He played for just 20mins and from memory he kicked three goals and did well. Next he was flown off to Tampa with the academy where he attempted to do too much and sustained a stress fracture in his heel from poor boots/shoes. That put him out for the back half of that pre-season and the docs conservatively put him in a moon boot for another 6 weeks! Jack returned to play school footy from around the May 2016 of his draft year, way behind his teamates with his fitness and ability to run out a game. Prior to his op he was running 14.3 beeps, elite for a kid his height. This indicates hard work done earlier to get there.

He played very well at school then went straight into the Nationals representing Vic Metro in May/June 2016. He played a stand out game considering v SA which basically secured them the title. He played his first game in the TAC cup in approx round 15 2016 and I think was the first player to represent Australia and Vic Metro without ever playing a TAC Cup game. Theres some trivia for you!

His season ended with 23 possessions and a great game in the Sandringham Dragons flag. Of course he ended up going pick 7 in the 2016 draft and off to the Gold Coast!

I wont say too much about his time at the Suns other than his frustrating minor set backs like a hip flexor, bone spur in his foot, fractured cheek and a KO added to his homesickness. This lack of match fitness frustrated him, effected his confidence and got him down and probably a lack of maturity and experience made it tough for him. He was drafted by Rocket Eade and Scott Clayton who were sacked the next season. He played his 4 games at the back end of 2017 at AFL level and a total of 17 for the year. His body was cooked by his 4th senior game after a gruelling year trying to get his body right.

Some not close to him, viewed this training and effort on field as being lazy or having an attitude problem, which is not the case at all. It was mostly fitness and frustration from not being able to get a good run at playing seniors. Mid season he mentioned he wouldnt mind coming home and thats where his agent took over and I believe the Hawks became interested.

The Suns have announced a large investment in player welfare for the coming years as part of their retention plans. Unfortunately this was coming too late for Jack. In a short window of time (March to May '18) when his head was not where it needs to be it would have been good to have the right level of mentoring, leadership and support around him.

Jack has barracked for the Hawks all his life, idolized Crawf and Willo in the 2000s and then later Buddy, Roughy, Cyril and Birch. If you look closely at the 2013 flag when Hilly runs into the open goal in the last, he runs to the fence and high fives Jack and his mate! He's wearing a yellow raincoat from memory!!!

Ive got no doubt this trade by the Hawks was a clever decision by Clarko and Wrighty. In just the first meeting with Clarko it has had a tremendous impact on him. He is really up and about! Fingers crossed if he can do a full pre-season, the Hawks fans will be delighted with him Im sure.

Next step, Kokoda which will be fantastic for him!

We are all very much looking forward to 2019! It cant come quick enough!

Thanks for sharing Gromma
Hope your boy strives in a successful environment and has a long and fruitful career. I for one am extremely excited to watch him dominate across our backline!

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Is he a Beaui boy?

He is.

 

[Milkshaker]

Grommas post is why I love cruising BF - for the gems like this.

 

[Apple Salesman]

Gidday Mojo,

This is something I was asked to do a short while ago, its probably a bit more than you asked for but simple to give you so please forgive the mostly cut and paste stuff with updates edited in...hope you find it a good read.

Ill try to keep this unbiased!

He is reserved if not quiet in unknown company but a very likeable, mess around kid with those he knows well. He has a tight group of mates he has had grown up with at school and through footy, some of them did OK in the draft, Polson, Florent, Setterfield, McGrath, Gallucci and Taranto amoungst others!! All very similar kids, love and are dedicated to their footy.

Jack was average at school, smart if he focused but always totally consumed with his footy and basketball. From a parents perspective, always banging my head against the wall to get him to put his footy down and open up his books! He also played rep BBall with the Sabres in Sandringham until forced to choose. Could also have been a good cricketer. Very hard in year 12 when you are in the AFL academy, playing state footy, school footy, TAC cup and trying to study!

When it comes to his footy, he never makes excuses but I can say the truth, that is he has had some frustrating set backs just prior to his draft leading up to mid last season when he finally started getting his body and mind right.

In early 2015, his U17 year, he had come off a stand out U16 national carnival (in 2014) for Vic Metro and was selected in the AFL academy (basically the all Australian side) and worked in that program until he was drafted. Kids without character dont come close to getting into this program BTW. He was one of only two Vic Metro players chosen. (the other was Jordan Gallucci. now at Adelaide). Anyway, early 2015 after just after being selected to play for Vic Metro at bottom age, he had a routine check up and the Metro doc noticed some inflexibility in his left hip and requested a scan. They found a small impingement, part of the hip bone that was larger. It wasnt stopping him playing but the docs thought it would be a restriction at professional level and recommended to have an op to basically scrape the bone away and free him up. The aim was to have him ready for his draft year.

The op was a success but the recovery was more than 15 weeks so he missed most of his bottom age year. When you hear Matthew Lloyd talk, this is when he knew him at Haileybury (school) and it no doubt frustrated Llloydy that he wasnt playing. For school he was told by the Metro docs to go easy and I think this is where Lloydy saw him as needing to do more work, when actually he wasnt allowed to! Haileybury footy is now headed up by Matthew Lloyd and before him, Stewart Loewe, whos son was in the lower year to Jack. Both Lloydy and Stewie have told me Jack was the best junior player they ever saw but I reckon Gunna would hold that mantle atm.

Jack Gunstan played junior footy at Beaumaris, then Sandringham Dragons and went to school at Haileybury, same as Jack Scrimshaw!

His first game back after his op was an incredible day for all of us! He played in the AFL Academy team vs the U18 All Stars on the G as the curtain raiser to the Hawks 2015 flag! What a day!

He played for just 20mins and from memory he kicked three goals and did well. Next he was flown off to Tampa with the academy where he attempted to do too much and sustained a stress fracture in his heel from poor boots/shoes. That put him out for the back half of that pre-season and the docs conservatively put him in a moon boot for another 6 weeks! Jack returned to play school footy from around the May 2016 of his draft year, way behind his teamates with his fitness and ability to run out a game. Prior to his op he was running 14.3 beeps, elite for a kid his height. This indicates hard work done earlier to get there.

He played very well at school then went straight into the Nationals representing Vic Metro in May/June 2016. He played a stand out game considering v SA which basically secured them the title. He played his first game in the TAC cup in approx round 15 2016 and I think was the first player to represent Australia and Vic Metro without ever playing a TAC Cup game. Theres some trivia for you!

His season ended with 23 possessions and a great game in the Sandringham Dragons flag. Of course he ended up going pick 7 in the 2016 draft and off to the Gold Coast!

I wont say too much about his time at the Suns other than his frustrating minor set backs like a hip flexor, bone spur in his foot, fractured cheek and a KO added to his homesickness. This lack of match fitness frustrated him, effected his confidence and got him down and probably a lack of maturity and experience made it tough for him. He was drafted by Rocket Eade and Scott Clayton who were sacked the next season. He played his 4 games at the back end of 2017 at AFL level and a total of 17 for the year. His body was cooked by his 4th senior game after a gruelling year trying to get his body right.

Some not close to him, viewed this training and effort on field as being lazy or having an attitude problem, which is not the case at all. It was mostly fitness and frustration from not being able to get a good run at playing seniors. Mid season he mentioned he wouldnt mind coming home and thats where his agent took over and I believe the Hawks became interested.

The Suns have announced a large investment in player welfare for the coming years as part of their retention plans. Unfortunately this was coming too late for Jack. In a short window of time (March to May '18) when his head was not where it needs to be it would have been good to have the right level of mentoring, leadership and support around him.

Jack has barracked for the Hawks all his life, idolized Crawf and Willo in the 2000s and then later Buddy, Roughy, Cyril and Birch. If you look closely at the 2013 flag when Hilly runs into the open goal in the last, he runs to the fence and high fives Jack and his mate! He's wearing a yellow raincoat from memory!!!

Ive got no doubt this trade by the Hawks was a clever decision by Clarko and Wrighty. In just the first meeting with Clarko it has had a tremendous impact on him. He is really up and about! Fingers crossed if he can do a full pre-season, the Hawks fans will be delighted with him Im sure.

Next step, Kokoda which will be fantastic for him!

We are all very much looking forward to 2019! It cant come quick enough!

Sorry Gromma, think I missed the boat here. You are the parent of Jack Scrimshaw?

 

[Brant]

Hey Gromma

Has Jack always played across HB?

I've read that he'd like to play midfield at some stage. What other positions have the club hinted at, or would he realistically see himself playing?

 

[threesixpio]

Gidday Mojo,

This is something I was asked to do a short while ago, its probably a bit more than you asked for but simple to give you so please forgive the mostly cut and paste stuff with updates edited in...hope you find it a good read.

Ill try to keep this unbiased!

He is reserved if not quiet in unknown company but a very likeable, mess around kid with those he knows well. He has a tight group of mates he has had grown up with at school and through footy, some of them did OK in the draft, Polson, Florent, Setterfield, McGrath, Gallucci and Taranto amoungst others!! All very similar kids, love and are dedicated to their footy.

Jack was average at school, smart if he focused but always totally consumed with his footy and basketball. From a parents perspective, always banging my head against the wall to get him to put his footy down and open up his books! He also played rep BBall with the Sabres in Sandringham until forced to choose. Could also have been a good cricketer. Very hard in year 12 when you are in the AFL academy, playing state footy, school footy, TAC cup and trying to study!

When it comes to his footy, he never makes excuses but I can say the truth, that is he has had some frustrating set backs just prior to his draft leading up to mid last season when he finally started getting his body and mind right.

In early 2015, his U17 year, he had come off a stand out U16 national carnival (in 2014) for Vic Metro and was selected in the AFL academy (basically the all Australian side) and worked in that program until he was drafted. Kids without character dont come close to getting into this program BTW. He was one of only two Vic Metro players chosen. (the other was Jordan Gallucci. now at Adelaide). Anyway, early 2015 after just after being selected to play for Vic Metro at bottom age, he had a routine check up and the Metro doc noticed some inflexibility in his left hip and requested a scan. They found a small impingement, part of the hip bone that was larger. It wasnt stopping him playing but the docs thought it would be a restriction at professional level and recommended to have an op to basically scrape the bone away and free him up. The aim was to have him ready for his draft year.

The op was a success but the recovery was more than 15 weeks so he missed most of his bottom age year. When you hear Matthew Lloyd talk, this is when he knew him at Haileybury (school) and it no doubt frustrated Llloydy that he wasnt playing. For school he was told by the Metro docs to go easy and I think this is where Lloydy saw him as needing to do more work, when actually he wasnt allowed to! Haileybury footy is now headed up by Matthew Lloyd and before him, Stewart Loewe, whos son was in the lower year to Jack. Both Lloydy and Stewie have told me Jack was the best junior player they ever saw but I reckon Gunna would hold that mantle atm.

Jack Gunstan played junior footy at Beaumaris, then Sandringham Dragons and went to school at Haileybury, same as Jack Scrimshaw!

His first game back after his op was an incredible day for all of us! He played in the AFL Academy team vs the U18 All Stars on the G as the curtain raiser to the Hawks 2015 flag! What a day!

He played for just 20mins and from memory he kicked three goals and did well. Next he was flown off to Tampa with the academy where he attempted to do too much and sustained a stress fracture in his heel from poor boots/shoes. That put him out for the back half of that pre-season and the docs conservatively put him in a moon boot for another 6 weeks! Jack returned to play school footy from around the May 2016 of his draft year, way behind his teamates with his fitness and ability to run out a game. Prior to his op he was running 14.3 beeps, elite for a kid his height. This indicates hard work done earlier to get there.

He played very well at school then went straight into the Nationals representing Vic Metro in May/June 2016. He played a stand out game considering v SA which basically secured them the title. He played his first game in the TAC cup in approx round 15 2016 and I think was the first player to represent Australia and Vic Metro without ever playing a TAC Cup game. Theres some trivia for you!

His season ended with 23 possessions and a great game in the Sandringham Dragons flag. Of course he ended up going pick 7 in the 2016 draft and off to the Gold Coast!

I wont say too much about his time at the Suns other than his frustrating minor set backs like a hip flexor, bone spur in his foot, fractured cheek and a KO added to his homesickness. This lack of match fitness frustrated him, effected his confidence and got him down and probably a lack of maturity and experience made it tough for him. He was drafted by Rocket Eade and Scott Clayton who were sacked the next season. He played his 4 games at the back end of 2017 at AFL level and a total of 17 for the year. His body was cooked by his 4th senior game after a gruelling year trying to get his body right.

Some not close to him, viewed this training and effort on field as being lazy or having an attitude problem, which is not the case at all. It was mostly fitness and frustration from not being able to get a good run at playing seniors. Mid season he mentioned he wouldnt mind coming home and thats where his agent took over and I believe the Hawks became interested.

The Suns have announced a large investment in player welfare for the coming years as part of their retention plans. Unfortunately this was coming too late for Jack. In a short window of time (March to May '18) when his head was not where it needs to be it would have been good to have the right level of mentoring, leadership and support around him.

Jack has barracked for the Hawks all his life, idolized Crawf and Willo in the 2000s and then later Buddy, Roughy, Cyril and Birch. If you look closely at the 2013 flag when Hilly runs into the open goal in the last, he runs to the fence and high fives Jack and his mate! He's wearing a yellow raincoat from memory!!!

Ive got no doubt this trade by the Hawks was a clever decision by Clarko and Wrighty. In just the first meeting with Clarko it has had a tremendous impact on him. He is really up and about! Fingers crossed if he can do a full pre-season, the Hawks fans will be delighted with him Im sure.

Next step, Kokoda which will be fantastic for him!

We are all very much looking forward to 2019! It cant come quick enough!

This post saved Bigfooty

 

[Burtman]

Was one of my favorite kids from the 2016 draft, looks laconic but time seems to slow down abit with the ball in his hands and works his way through traffic really well, abit pendelbury like. Had a great tac cup grand final but if you look at his afl highlights package on the hawthorn website that’s what really impresses me, has some great intercept marks, good movement and pinpoint kicking, and that’s just from four games. Definitely think we have a player on our hands and I can’t wait to see him get a decent run at it next year

 

[marklar]

the Hawks fans will be delighted with him Im sure.

We welcome Jack to the family club, we're already delighted that he's chosen to come play for us.