Hawthorn rookie to continue playing local footy

Hawthorn Category B rookie Jamie Uhr-Henry will continue playing for East Ringwood in the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) in 2026.

Uhr-Henry signed with the Hawks ahead of the 2025 season after playing in NBL One for the Bulleen Boomers and Dandenong Ranges.

The 22-year-old played two VFL matches last year for Box Hill, but spent most of his time at the Kangaroos in the local league.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Uhr-Henry played 15 games for East Ringwood last year, including the two finals clashes against Balwyn and Rowville.

The former basketballer will feature for the local club when he's not required at the Hawks.

This isn't the first time the AFL has released Category B rookies to local football clubs given they won't be selected in their respective VFL sides.

Melbourne's Kyah Farris-White featured for St Bede's Mentone in the VAFA in 2024 when he wasn't playing for the Casey Demons.

Richmond's Oliver Hayes-Brown split his time between VAFA club Old Ivanhoe and the Tigers' reserves in 2024.

The decision to continue Uhr-Henry's alignment with East Ringwood comes as there's a backlog of ruckman at Hawthorn.

Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves are set to work in tandem as the club's primary ruckmen, with the latter spending most of 2025 in the VFL.

Max Ramsden got four opportunities in Sam Mitchell's side playing as a forward-ruck.

Mabior Chol and Conor Nash's versatility has also added to the squeeze.