Jack Gunston was just a wiry 18-year-old kid from Sandringham when he was drafted by Adelaide in the 2009 draft at pick 29.
His first game came in 2010 when he collected seven disposals and kicked the sealer in a 12-point win over Brisbane. And that was only the beginning.
In round 23, 2011, Gunston kicked five goals and collected 16 disposals in a best on ground performance.
At the end of the 2011 season, Gunston was at a crossroads. He was homesick and wanted to return home to Melbourne. Because of this, Adelaide stripped him of the Mark Bickley best young player award that he was due to be awarded at the best and fairest. Eventually he was traded to Hawthorn for picks 24, 46 & 64.
Gunston made his debut for Hawthorn as the substitute and came on in the second half and kicked a goal in front of 80,000 in a Round 1 blockbuster against Collingwood.
“It was a different night to what I’m used to, coming out, round one with 80,000 people in the crowd, I was pinching myself at the start,” he said.
“Being the substitute was probably a good way to get introduced to the game, being the sub and being able to pick up the tempo and then come on in the second half.”
From then on, Gunston has become a key player for Hawthorn and averages 2 goals a game. Gunston starred for Hawthorn in the 2012 grand final kicking 2 goals.
The 2013 season also brought Gunston a lot of success. In the finals series, Gunston kicked 11 goals, including 4 in the Grand Final, to help Hawthorn defeat Fremantle by 15 points, and many have said that Gunston should have won the Norm Smith Medal.
There is no doubt that if Lance Franklin decides to leave Hawthorn, Gunston can most definitely step up into the Centre Half Forward role. He is strong overhead and good on the lead, and is good at ground level. He is a superstar in the making.
Gunston is also well-known for his set shot accuracy in the tradition of the most decorated Hawk to wear No 19. Over the past 2 seasons, Gunston has been the most accurate forward in the competition with a conversion rate around 80%, just ahead of Chris Mayne’s 79%.
His ability to read the play, out-position his opponent, think quickly and take one grab marks do remind one of the great Dunstall, albeit in a slightly taller, slimmer frame.
If Gunston can continue these feats into the 2014 season, he can become a superstar in his own right as he has all the traits: flair, reliability, star quality, clean hands and quick decisive thinking to go with his accurate kicking.
Will
Guest
"His ability to read the play, out-position his opponent, think quickly and take one grab marks do remind one of the great Dunstall, albeit in a slightly taller, slimmer frame." More of a Matthew Lloyd if you ask me! Strong mark, Accurate, Not real flash, Straight forward great player. *HAWKS SUPPORTER*
Matt Tomlinson
Roar Rookie
Hi Max This is completely correct If Jack Gunston had stayed with Adelaide he could've won them a spot in the Grand-final instead of Hawthorn in 2012 Great story love to see more from you in the future Matt
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
Not following AFL, I had never heard of him, but pleased to see that it is a real surname!
Ryan
Guest
Gunston is a solid player and had a tremendous grand final, but he has been playing as the third tall in the best team in the comp alongside 2 coleman medalists and therefore rarely if ever gets the best defenders. If (when) Buddy goes next year, it will be the big test over the next few years wether he can keep Hawthorn as a force or is part of the decline.
Lroy
Guest
This guy was unlucky not to get the Norm Smith.. seriously.. take out his goals.. Hawthorn lose!!! Ok thats a bit simplistic.. but his performance was fantastic.. How many guys kick 4 goals in a grand final?? I still remember Matera kicking 5 in 92, Abletts 9 in 89... Dermy kicking 8 was it in 85?? The reason i remember them is swags of goals in the decider is quite rare... 4 goals in a low scoring game?? Crikey, whats a bloke gotta do?? Lake had a good game no question.. but so did McPharlin for the Dockers.. Guntson would have got my vote, he was clearly the best forward in the game.
Steve Willis
Roar Rookie
Spot on Max, while Adelaide can take some credit for Gunston's development, it's clear he has taken significant steps since then. While they might bemoan their losses, it's part of the football landscape to continually lose talent and have to replace it - must be on the lookout for the next BF, that's Buddy F not Best & Fairest! Steve Willis
Max Willis
Roar Pro
Yes i agree about not being overcoached, he seems to be able to play freely. What a forward line that would have been!
Franko
Guest
He's looking like he is going to be a great player, no doubt. What I like is that he doesn't appear to have been over-coached, just plays the game naturally. Imagine where the Camrys would have finished this year had they had Tippett, Gunston and Tex Walker in their forward line!!!!