Hawthorn’s Jai Newcombe has spoken about the surreal experience of being named co-captain, a role he never envisaged when he was plucked from country Victoria in the 2021 Mid-Season Draft. Sitting alongside 17 other club captains was a moment that “didn’t feel real,” Newcombe admitted, but he firmly believes that holding the premiership cup is the ultimate aspiration for any player.
Newcombe’s journey from the Poowong local league to the AFL is a testament to his dedication and skill. The uncompromising on-baller has rapidly emerged as one of the competition’s most exciting talents. Despite a later start than many of his peers, he has already amassed over 100 games and claimed a prestigious Peter Crimmins Medal, a significant individual honour. Yet, his focus remains squarely on team success and the “ultimate prize.”
“It’s a nice story,” Newcombe told Zero Hanger, reflecting on his rapid ascent. “It’s continuing to evolve. There’s a lot left still to write. It’s been a pleasant journey so far. I’ve been very fortunate with how things have panned out for me. Lucky that I’ve been able to land at a club that has set me up for these things.”
The decision to appoint dual captains, with Newcombe joining James Sicily at the helm, was a significant and historic move for the club, representing what they believe is the best model for their future direction. Newcombe expressed his gratitude for the support of his teammates.
A New Era of Leadership at Hawthorn
“It’s a nice feeling. It’s great to have the backing of your teammates,” Newcombe added. “To be in the position I am, it’s going to complement each other really nicely. The way (James Sicily) sees the game is quite impressive, and is something I’m going to lean on for sure.”
This dual-captaincy structure signals a forward-thinking approach from the Hawks’ leadership. It suggests a shared vision and a collaborative spirit designed to drive the team forward. Newcombe’s comments highlight the mutual respect and complementary skillsets that he and Sicily bring to the role, aiming to leverage each other’s strengths for the benefit of the entire squad.
Embracing Innovation: Sam Mitchell’s AI Approach
Beyond the leadership changes, Hawthorn’s coach, Sam Mitchell, is also venturing into new territory with his innovative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Known for his unconventional and insightful coaching methods, Mitchell’s embrace of AI has taken his approach to a new level.
Newcombe is supportive of this technological integration, even if he’s not a heavy user himself. “I don’t mind it. I’m not a massive user myself, but he’s all about it,” he commented. “I mean, it’s kind of silly not to in a way. It’s helping him, it’s helping us. It’s not changing our game plan. It’s more around education and the best way to draw things out of people, how to set up meetings. If it can help us in any way, then we’re all for it.”
This perspective suggests that the AI is being used as a tool for enhancement rather than a replacement for traditional coaching. Its application appears to be focused on improving communication, optimising training strategies, and fostering a deeper understanding of the game among players and staff. It reflects a modern coaching philosophy that is open to leveraging cutting-edge technology to gain a competitive edge.
Pre-Season Warm-Up and the Season Ahead
As the Hawks gear up for the upcoming season, they have one final pre-season hit-out scheduled. They will face the Western Bulldogs on Friday in what will be a crucial tune-up. This match provides an opportunity for the team to refine their strategies, test combinations, and build momentum before their Opening Round clash.
The Opening Round fixture will see Hawthorn travel to take on Greater Western Sydney (GWS) in what is expected to be a challenging encounter in the Giants’ home territory. This early-season test will be a significant indicator of where the Hawks stand as they embark on this new chapter under their co-captains and with their coach’s innovative strategies in play. The journey ahead promises to be an exciting one for Hawthorn supporters, as Newcombe alluded to, with much still to be written.
