The under-the-radar reason for Hawthorn’s rise

We always know who the stars are in a particular game.

But what about those who played a pivotal defensive role or were influential without stuffing the stat sheet? They may have had an important assignment or have simply just flown under the radar.

These players might be spoken about amongst the supporters of their clubs, but not discussed as widely around the competition.

Below are the players we believe deserve more credit for their Round 3 performances.

Duursma’s Dons contribution

Xavier Duursma produced arguably his best game in Essendon colours against his former club last Thursday night.

The former Power winger was a key contributor as the Bombers got up after trailing at all three breaks.

Duursma finished with 29 disposals - his best result as a Bomber - as well as 10 score involvements and four clearances.

Zach Merrett, Dylan Shiel and Sam Durham got all the plaudits, but Duursma deserves some recognition.

For Port, second-gamer Christian Moraes amassed 27 touches, four rebound 50s, four inside 50s and two goal assists.

It was a very solid outing from the 2024 Pick 38 and one that didn’t attract the headlines.

Under-the-radar trio in Dogs v Blues clash

There were a few strong performances in the Bulldogs’ gritty come-from-behind win over Carlton, and we are highlighting two for the Blues.

Jack Silvagni dominated Aaron Naughton in the air, producing nine spoils and taking four intercept marks.

Naughton would kick a telling goal in the final quarter, however, he lowered his colours to Silvagni who was a rock in defence.

Brodie Kemp booted five goals and although it was spoken about a bit, in terms of five-goal hauls it flies under the radar.

Kemp kicked three of Carlton’s four goals after half-time, playing a lone hand after Charlie Curnow’s strong start.

Curnow commenced nicely for the Blues, kicking two goals in the first term and three for the half.

But Buku Khamis did a superb job keeping him quiet thereafter. He held the dual Coleman Medallist to three touches after the main break, while finishing with four intercept marks.

Saint stars in the background

Hugo Garcia had a career-best game in St Kilda’s second-half demolition job of Richmond.

The 19-year-old finished with 23 disposals, surpassing his previous best of 18, while adding nine tackles and six clearances.

The likes of Jack Sinclair, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Mitch Owens received most of the credit, but some should be reserved for Garcia who more than held his own against much more seasoned midfield opponents.

Garcia landed three AFLCA Champion Player of the Year votes for his efforts - the first time he has been recognised by the coaches.

Dimma's new Dusty

20-year-old Bailey Humphrey might just have every quality necessary to play a big role in a Damien Hardwick system.

With Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Ben King stealing the Suns headlines, Humphrey's start to the season as a powerful mid/forward is yet to receive plaudits.

Operating in a Dustin Martin style role, Humphrey's attack on the football, cleanliness in tight and ability to break lines marks every quality necessary to succeed as an elite hybrid.

23 disposals, six tackles, four clearances and a goal in what may be a breakout season for the former Pick 6.

Big Hawk continues to make his mark

He’s absolutely rated by Hawthorn and their fans, but it’s time that Lloyd Meek receives wider applause.

The 26-year-old outworked the Giants in Tassie on Saturday night with one goal, 14 disposals and 31 hitouts as he continued his strong start to the season.

He is without doubt a top five ruckman in the competition and could even be pushing into the top three alongside Tom De Koning and Tristan Xerri based on what we’ve seen so far in 2025.

The Hawks have had plenty of attention and plaudits over the last 10 months, and Meek has been a huge under-the-radar reason behind their rise.