A Hawthorn champion is proving that even in the twilight of his career, he’s capable of producing some of his best form yet, edging closer to a major milestone. Much attention has been given to Hawthorn’s start to the 2025 season. Despite holding a 5-2 record and being in the top four, the team has yet to replicate the dazzling form they displayed at the end of 2024, where they surged into the finals. One of the key struggles has been the forward line’s lack of cohesion and effectiveness in front of goal. The absence of key players has made it difficult for forwards coach Adrian Hickmott to find the right balance to make the most of their 15.8 marks inside 50 per game.
While there’s been considerable talk around players failing to find their form this season, one veteran Hawk has turned back the clock and emerged as a crucial component in the forward line. Jack Gunston, who will be out of contract at the end of the year, has become a revelation in the 2025 campaign. His impressive performances come at a time when the Hawks’ forward line has struggled without key forwards Mitch Lewis and Calsher Dear, both sidelined by injuries.
At 33 years old, Gunston is having a standout season, ranking equal seventh on the Coleman Medal leaderboard with 17 goals after five games. In his 265th AFL game, he was pivotal in the Hawks’ dominant 50-point win over the Eagles at Marvel Stadium, where he kicked four goals from 14 disposals. Matched up against premiership defender Jeremy McGovern, Gunston not only played a role in negating McGovern but also contributed significantly to Hawthorn’s offensive efforts, tallying 12 score involvements.
Gunston’s journey has been an unexpected one. After being delisted at the end of last season, he was reselected by Hawthorn in the Pre-Season Draft. Although he missed the first two rounds of 2025, he was recalled for the Round 2 match against Carlton and has been a regular starter ever since. In this time, he’s not only showcased his high football IQ but has also played a mentoring role, helping guide young players like Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan.
In the lead-up to the season, there was much debate over whether Gunston, after two unremarkable pre-season performances, should still be considered part of Hawthorn’s best 23. Many fans doubted that the 3-time premiership player could still perform at a high level, believing he would be more valuable off the field in 2025. However, Gunston has proven that veteran players can still shine late in their careers. His current form has been outstanding, with averages of six shots on goal per game and 3.4 goals per game, showing a return to his goalkicking best after a tougher 2024 season. He also averages six marks per game, with a significant portion of those coming inside the forward 50, where he positions himself as a key attacking target.
What’s particularly remarkable about Gunston’s role is the balance he has struck between being a focal point in the Hawks’ scoring chains and fulfilling a defensive role to prevent opposition teams from rebounding from defence. Head coach Sam Mitchell has entrusted Gunston with important match-ups against some of the AFL’s top defenders, such as Carlton’s Jacob Weitering, GWS’ Sam Taylor, Port Adelaide’s Aliir Aliir, and West Coast’s McGovern.
Gunston’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. He’s already earned 10 coaches’ votes in 2025, a testament to the work he put in during the off-season to strengthen his back and glutes, helping him regain form reminiscent of his 2020 Best and Fairest season. Currently sitting on 498 career goals, Gunston is looking to reach the 500-goal milestone in the upcoming clash against the Tigers in Hawthorn’s Centenary Game, which would make him the eighth Hawk to achieve this remarkable feat.
With young forward Calsher Dear set to return to the senior team soon and Mabior Chol showing promising form, Gunston’s stellar performances in 2025 ensure he will remain a key player in Hawthorn’s forward line, helping the team build momentum and connection as they continue their season.
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