The Four Most Underrated Recruits of 2023 in the AFL
As the 2024 AFL season unfolds, standout recruits have already made their mark. Massimo D’Ambrosio shined at Hawthorn, earning a spot in the All-Australian squad, Brodie Grundy regained his top form with Sydney while still receiving payments from Collingwood, and Jack Ginnivan thrived under the freedom provided by coach Sam Mitchell.
However, several other players who switched clubs during the 2023 trade period also made significant contributions to their teams’ successes in 2024. Here, we highlight the four most underrated recruits from last year.
After a stint with Brisbane, Jack Gunston returned to his former club, Hawthorn, in 2024, much to the delight of coach Sam Mitchell, who had expressed regret over letting him go during the 2022 trade period. Gunston’s veteran leadership played a crucial role in Hawthorn’s surprising rise to the finals, where he significantly outperformed his previous year.
His experience proved invaluable, particularly in mentoring a young group of forwards, including father-son recruit Calsher Dear. Initially expected to develop in the Box Hill VFL, Dear made his debut in Round 8 and quickly became a mainstay in the team, thanks in part to Gunston’s guidance. Their bond, forged through shared experiences of losing their fathers, added an emotional depth to Gunston’s mentorship.
On the field, Gunston also excelled, scoring 29 goals over 18 matches in 2024, highlighted by a remarkable five-goal game against Richmond in Round 23 and two other four-goal performances. As part of a youthful forward line, Gunston demonstrated that he still possesses the skills to compete at the highest level, proving that his return to Hawthorn was not just beneficial off the field, but instrumental in their on-field success as well.
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