A massive announcement for Jai Newcombe!

By hawthornfc.com.au

1 hr
ago

Star Hawthorn midfielder Jai Newcombe has showcased his commitment to the brown and gold by signing a six-year contract extension. 

The reigning Peter Crimmins Medallist was already contracted until the end of the 2026 season, but this new deal now ties him to the Hawks until at least the end of 2032, where he will turn 31.

On top of his Peter Crimmins Medal win in 2024, Newcombe has also finished in the top two of the distinguished count for the past three years, highlighting his high regard within the four walls of Hawthorn. 

At just 23 years old and on the verge of playing his 100th AFL game, Newcombe has shown he has a bright future ahead, with this new deal set to see him hit his career peak in Sam Mitchell’s engine room. 

Newcombe’s rise to becoming one of the AFL’s premier midfielders has been fascinating to watch, having made the seamless transition from part-time footballer and apprentice carpenter to full-time superstar in just four years. 

Since being selected in the 2021 AFL Mid-Season Draft, the Poowong product has been nominated for the AFL’s Rising Star Award, was named the AFL Coaches Association’s Best Young Player and won Hawthorn’s coveted Lethal Award. 

One of the AFL’s most successful mid-season draft stories, Newcombe had a career-best year in 2024. 

On top of his Peter Crimmins Medal victory, the 23-year-old also topped Hawthorn’s Brownlow Medal votes and came 10th overall, thanks to strong averages of 24.8 disposals (ranked above average), 6.5 score involvements (ranked elite), 5.9 clearances (ranked elite), 4.4 tackles (ranked above average) and 4.2 inside 50s (ranked above average).

Newcombe has picked up where he left off in season 2025, featuring in every match so far to average 22.3 disposals (ranked above average), 6.1 clearances (ranked elite), 5.9 score involvements (ranked above average), 5.3 tackles (ranked above average) and 3.5 inside 50s (ranked above average). 

Hawthorn National List and Recruiting Manager Mark McKenzie was delighted to see Newcombe ink a six-year extension. 

“Jai’s rise from a mid-season draftee to one of the premier midfielders in the league has been a credit to his persistence, leadership and poise at the elite level, and it is fantastic to see him rewarded with this contract extension,” McKenzie said. 

“We know that Jai will turn 31 in the final year of this contract, meaning he will still be at the peak of his powers, which is an exciting prospect. 

“Having already signed with the club until 2026, this contract extension will allow Jai to continue his rapid rise for many years to come.”