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Drysdale coach Ben Carmichael isn’t putting a limit on how many games boom recruit Jayden Hunt will play after the former Melbourne and West Coast player signed with the Bellarine finalists.
Hunt was confirmed as joining the Hawks on tonight (Thursday), linking up with brother-in-law Tarv Latimer, who crossed from Ocean Grove earlier in the pre-season.
The 30-year-old played 114 games in nine seasons with the Demons, but missed out on the club’s drought-breaking premiership in 2021 despite playing 20 home-and-away games.
Hunt, who has turned his attention to golf post his AFL career, joined the Eagles ahead of the 2023 season, making 58 appearances for a career total of 172.
“(Tarv) had come across from Ocean Grove, and they were toying up playing a couple of games together,” Carmichael said.
“That’s where the conversation started, and it’s grown legs over the last month or so.
It’s turned out from being a couple of games to potentially putting no ceiling on how many games he’s going to play.
“It won’t be a full season, but we’re certainly going to see plenty of him.”
Carmichael is excited by the benefits a player with Hunt’s resume can bring to Mortimer Oval.
“He’s got so much experience, and our young guys will learn plenty from him,” Carmichael said.
“He’s hoping to come down and train; he’s got some interests outside of footy with his golf and some business stuff.
“So when he’s available, he’ll come down and train and certainly play games.”
Hunt’s arrival will help offset the departure of club great Tom Ruggles, who has moved to Queensland.
However, Carmichael hasn’t ruled out the former Geelong defender making some cameo appearances in brown and gold.
“He’s moved up north for work and family,” Carmichael said.
“We’re hoping we still see a few games out of ‘Rugs’.
Drysdale has practice matches scheduled against reigning GDFNL premier North Geelong, Banyule, and Terang Mortlake.
The Hawks open their 2026 campaign with an Easter Saturday clash against Queenscliff at the Couta Bowl.
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