Poowong’s Jai Newcombe excels at Hawthorn

FORMER Poowong footballer Jai Newcombe continues to capitalise on his mid-season drafting to Hawthorn in 2021, with the inside midfielder putting together an even stronger campaign than last year.

His 2023 season earned him impressive recognition in both the Brownlow Medal count and the club Best and Fairest.

Newcombe polled 18 Brownlow votes, seven better than in 2022, and finished a narrow second in the Hawks’ Peter Crimmins Medal count in which he racked up 123 votes, just a couple behind winner

Will Day, giving Newcombe consecutive runner-up placings in the club Best and Fairest.

“It’s nice to get that recognition; I wasn’t expecting to poll that well in the Brownlow,” Newcombe said.

He added it was pleasing to build on the base he established in 2022 and take a few steps forward, with the aim being to continue his improvement in 2024.

Specifically, he is working on furthering his connection with other midfielders and the Hawks’ ruck crew.

Reflecting on his AFL start, Newcombe said it was a smooth transition, being recruited from Box Hill Hawks where he had already established rapport with a number of the Hawthorn players, ensuring he was able to settle in immediately.

“I was probably gifted a few games at the start but then you get a taste of it and once you’ve been there you want to do everything you can to stay at the level,” he said of the step up to AFL footy.

“I’ve surprised myself with how I’ve been able to adapt and perform the way I have, especially this year.”

Newcombe describes his role in the team as “just an inside mid doing his job”, adding that he’s been a midfielder for four or five years.

He enjoys working with other Hawthorn midfielders such as James Worpel and Conor Nash.

“We’re gelling well together as a group,” he said.

Newcombe last played for Poowong in 2019.

He still tries to get back to the town every couple of weeks but hasn’t managed to see the local Magpies in action for some time.

With the hard work of preseason ahead, Newcombe has taken the chance to enjoy a couple of holiday adventures with his partner.

The young Hawk is also an avid golfer, continuing to hone his game and currently playing off a handicap of 11.

He enjoys the mental challenge of golf and the opportunity to spend time outdoors with mates, having previously played a lot on the Korumburra course with his dad Clint.