Hawthorn to Give First Year Player an Easter Monday Debut
Hawthorn is set to give a first-year player a special opportunity on Easter Monday, marking a significant milestone in their career. The player in question is Jack Dalton, who has shown great promise during the VFL season. His performance has been impressive, with 27 disposals, six tackles, and a goal in Round 1, following strong practice match form.
Dalton was selected by Hawthorn with Pick 34 in the 2025 AFL Draft. He is known for his ball-winning ability and hard-running style. His coach at the Sandringham Dragons, Rob Harding, spoke about his development over the past year.
“He’s very coachable Jack, he comes every week, does edits with me, is right across his game, knows what he’s doing and he’s seen the benefits of using the ball better in transition and times when he can get one two three four possessions in a chain to use his running power to run and overlap, I think that’s been the bit of his game that’s grown most on-field.”
A Special Moment for Jack Dalton
The opportunity to play at the AFL level is a dream come true for Dalton. His journey from the VFL to the AFL has been marked by dedication and hard work. The Executive General Manager of Football at Hawthorn, Rob McCartney, expressed his excitement about the debut.
“For Jack to realise his AFL dream and don the brown and gold guernsey for the first time on Easter Monday will be a special moment,” McCartney said. “Since being drafted just a few months ago, Jack has shown a real appetite for hard work and has impressed with his strong running power and desire to compete.”
Development and Preparation
Dalton’s growth as a player has been evident through his consistent performances. His composure with the ball in hand has improved significantly, and he has worked on hitting shorter targets. This technical aspect of his game has been a focus during pre-season training.
“His composure with ball in hand is what’s gone through the roof (late in the year) and we spoke a lot about looking short and trying to hit shorter targets and he’s a nice neat kick technically and through the back end of pre-season we were going to work on it before the injury but we’ve just had a chance to start doing it now,” Harding noted.
Confidence in Jack’s Abilities
Hawthorn is confident that Dalton can make a positive impact on Easter Monday. His ability to run and overlap, combined with his strong running power, makes him a valuable addition to the team. The club believes he has the potential to contribute effectively in the upcoming match.
“We’re delighted to see Jack earn his first opportunity at AFL level and are confident he can play his role on Easter Monday,” McCartney added.
Looking Ahead
As the team prepares for the match, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation surrounding Dalton’s debut. His journey from the VFL to the AFL highlights the importance of perseverance and hard work. With the support of his coaches and teammates, Dalton is ready to take on this new challenge.
The opportunity to play at the highest level is a testament to his dedication and talent. As he steps onto the field on Easter Monday, it will be a moment he will cherish for a lifetime. The fans are eager to see how he performs and what contributions he can make to the team.
