STRENGTHS:

+ Agility
+ Defensive versatility
+ Intercept game
+ Rebounding
+ Speed
+ Upside

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Composure
- Strength

Considering how recently he made a full commitment to the footballing pathway, Hastie expresses a seasoned grip on the game. He admires how confidently Bailey Dale attacks and takes risks with the ball, but is equally enamoured by James Sicily's defensive craft and positioning. In some sense, Hastie has sought to combine the best of both worlds this year.

Starting with his strengths, the 18-year-old is a rebounding force off half-back who has a penchant for slicing through opposition zones. Speed and agility are his top athletic traits, and both translate on-field with unrelenting launches from the last line and a willingness to attack the corridor with ball in hand. While relatively low-possession, Hastie is a high-impact metres gained player.

The Geelong Falcons standout is also an apt interceptor. In the Coates Talent League, he averaged 4.6 marks (1.9 intercept), 7.9 intercept possessions and 1.4 spoils, going at 20 disposals per his 13 games. It's a strength he's always laid claim to, but sought to bring to the fore in 2023 along with many other defensive traits. Defend first, then attack was Hastie's preseason vision.

He delivered on it throughout the year by taking on a range of roles. In particular, he got to showcase his defensive versatility in Vic Country colours, locking down Vic Metro star Nate Caddy - a 193cm marking phenom. Late in the season he matched up on GWV Rebels small Lachlan Charleson (177cm), but arguably produced his best game in the preliminary final a week later, where he was freed up to rebound at will.

While he can certainly hurt the opposition with incisive play out of defence, Hastie still has room for improvement in the way of skill execution. With much of his work done in a high gear, he can rush at times or skew his kicks. For the large part though, he gets good penetration and is efficient.

Having added about 10kg to his frame coming into the season, Hastie can still look to build out his frame. It may even afford him more time in possession, particularly if he can absorb contact and still be effective under tackling duress. Given how he has identified and acted on his improvement areas thus far, Hastie will likely continue to do so.