Contract renewals are signed by a young Hawthorn couple.
Two young Hawks have re-committed to the team.
As Hawthorn looks to the future, they have added to their roster by re-signing teenagers Jai Serong and Josh Bennetts until the end of 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The Hawks made it apparent to the AFL world during last year’s trade period that they would prioritize young by moving out players like Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara while aggressively focussing on the draft.
This year, they appear to be taking a similar approach, while also hoping to make some free agent acquisitions if they suit the correct age profile. Serong and Bennetts fit the bill perfectly for their list tactic.
Serong’s re-signing will be very welcome for the Hawks. Jai, Fremantle’s Caleb’s younger brother, overcame some health concerns this year before displaying his versatility by switching from the forward line to defense as part of his development.
Serong has played five games since being selected at pick 53 in the 2021 national draft, and the Hawks are encouraged by his development and hope to see him continue to develop over the next two seasons.
Hawthorn List and Recruiting Manager Mark McKenzie praised Serong’s determination to return to high-level play this year.
“Along with his obvious talent, Jai showed great resilience to return to the top level this year after overcoming his early season health challenges,” McKenzie said in a press release.
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Bennetts, despite yet to make his AFL debut, is well-regarded inside the club, with the club regarding him as one of their most promising possibilities after winning Box Hill’s Best First Year Player award and finishing sixth in their best and fairest in just his first season.
“Josh is an incredibly gifted player who we are really excited about investing further time and development in.” McKenzie explained.
“He’s shown a lot of promise in his short time at the club, with his footy smarts and agility creating plenty of scoring chances.”
“We’re really pleased with both Jai and Josh’s progress so far and look forward to seeing what they can deliver in the future.”
With Hawthorn seemingly back on the right track, the pair of signings provide a further boost to their depth as they head into a big trade and draft period this year.
