Tara Murray
Former Northern Knight Josh Ward’s immediate impact for Hawthorn has been recognised with an AFL rising star nomination.
The 18-year-old has played nine matches in his debut season, with his best coming against West Coast on Sunday.
He had a game-high 34 disposals, which included 23 kicks and 11 handballs at more than 70 per cent disposal efficiency.
He also had seven marks, eight score involvements, six clearances, five tackles, and five inside 50s.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said Sunday’s breakthrough match was an accumulation of Ward’s hard work.
“I’m really happy for Wardy,” he said. “He’s done a lot of hard work and it hasn’t quite clicked for him.
“We knew with the talent that level he has that [his breakout game] was coming, it was just about trying to give him the opportunity to play in that way.
“I’m really glad he was able to have that performance today.”
Ward has averaged three clearances and 17.6 disposals per match.
The 183 centimetre midfielder was drafted from the Northern Knights with pick seven in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft.
During his draft year, Ward captained Vic Metro and was named captain of the NAB League Team of the Year.
Ward has been a lifelong Hawthorn fan, with his great-grandfather Alex Lee playing 31 games for the Hawks during the 1930s.
He is the second Hawthorn player to be nominated in 2022 after Jai Newcombe was recognised in round two.
