Hawthorn pulled a small surprise in nominating Paul Haasbroek as a Next Generation Academy (NGA) candidate, providing another club-tied talent after recent academy and father-son coups. The Eastern Ranges small played six NAB League games in his 19-year-old campaign, utilised mostly as a small forward but also rolling up to the wing.

A speedy athlete, Haasbroek showcased that exact trait with his forward run-and-carry in 2021, as well as useful tackling pressure. His best performances this year came in back-to-back NAB League outings, booting two goals from 11 disposals against Tasmania and Western. He finished well on those occasions, but can iron out his consistency and rate of production as he develops.

STRENGTHS:

+ Speed
+ Forward pressure
+ Run-and-carry
+ Upside

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Production
- Kick consistency