Hawthorn commit to re-draft Jack Gunston as a rookie after delisting from senior list

Hawthorn have committed to taking premiership forward Jack Gunston in next month’s rookie draft after delisting him on Thursday.

Gunston moves to the rookie list after 260 AFL games, made up of 225 in his first stint at Hawthorn, 17 at Brisbane in 2023 and 18 this year back at the Hawks.

The Hawks needed to make the move on him to comply with AFL draft rules, which state each club needs to select at least three players.

Hawthorn list manager Mark McKenzie said Gunston was supportive of the move.

“Ultimately this list move ensures the club is in the strongest position possible heading into the draft, which Jack was very supportive of,” he told the club’s website.

“Jack’s approach to this list manoeuvre speaks to his selflessness and commitment to Hawthorn in wanting to put the club in the best position moving forward.”

Gunston will embark on his 16th season at the top level next year.

He played in all three of the Hawks’ flags between 2013-15.

It comes a day after the club confirmed they have signed promising NRL talent Matt Hill as a Category B rookie.

Hill, 20, is from Katherine in the Northern Territory and has been the subject of a mighty arm wrestle between the AFL and the NRL.

Prior to this latest move, the talented athlete with electric speed had been at the Melbourne Storm Academy and was part of that NRL club’s First Nations Pathway Program.

But before the Storm, Hill spent time at the Gold Coast Suns’ AFL Academy at under-15 level.

He then explored an opportunity with the Brisbane Broncos before moving to the Storm and now the Hawks.

Hawthorn say Hill is a “187cm speedster”.

He has been added to their list ahead of Thursday’s first pre-season signing deadline, along with former basketballer Jaime Uhr-Henry.

Uhr-Henry stands at 209cm is a ruck prospect.

He played for the Bulleen Boomers and the Dandenong Rangers in NBL One.

Originally from Chirnside Park, Uhr-Henry grew up a Hawks supporter and played junior football in the Eastern Football League.

McKenzie said both players bring unique and exciting skillsets to the club. “While Jaime and Matt join the club as a relatively raw duo, they both possess enormous upside,” McKenzie said.

“Standing at 209cm, Jaime clearly has some exciting physical traits, along with his professional basketball background we believe his progression will be one to watch.

“Meanwhile, at 20 years of age, Matt has shown in his young sporting career that he is a naturally gifted athlete with exciting speed, in addition to playing several years of footy as a junior, he has immense potential.

“Given time to develop, we’re confident both Jaime and Matt can make an impact in our program in the near future.”

- With Cameron Noakes

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