STRENGTHS:

+ Agility
+ Defensive pressure
+ Evasiveness
+ Goal sense
+ Smarts
+ Speed

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Finishing
- Kicking

Unwin has an electric turn of speed, one which often keeps him out of trouble and gets his side looking dangerous on the attack. His outstanding results for pace at the National Draft Combine can be observed with searing runs which break the lines, crafty stoppage exits, and deft steps to find space and score. Few players can contain him in full flight as he carves paths through traffic and puts his flair on show.

There were moments during the National Championships where Unwin streamed forward with several running bounces, lighting up the play in a low-possession, high-impact style. He also utilises his athletic strengths defensively, applying great pressure on the ball carrier. His closing speed is punishing and sees him catch dawdling opponents unawares, coming from the clouds hunt them down.

Unwin's smarts became increasingly evident as he began to spend more time in midfield. His reading of the ball off hands is terrific, and he positions in all the right spots to crumb and set off onto the outside. What's more, he handles the ball well and when his turn of speed is not enough to effectively exit the contest or shoot on goal, he has the vision and creativity to set up others by hand.

Goal sense is a trait which Unwin regards as one of his strengths. He booted 18 majors in 14 games as a bottom-ager last year, playing mostly as a pressure forward, though his radar was a touch off in 2024. Albeit with more time up the field, he posted 4.12 in 11 outings - including a haul of 0.5 against Oakleigh in Round 18. He is capable of crafting the opportunities, but could do with a little more composure when finishing at full tilt.

Perhaps the only other question mark surrounding Unwin will have to do with his size, though at 179cm there is no reason why he can't make it as a pinch-hitting midfielder. His 2km time (6:54) at the National Draft Combine was not world-beating, but Unwin is a hard worker capable of playing the high forward role effectively. That, and his forward 50 craft are why he'll likely spend the majority of his career as a small forward.