Untried Hawks pair Bodie Ryan and Jaime Uhr-Henry have both signed one-year extensions to remain at Hawthorn for 2026.
Defender Ryan was drafted by the Hawks at Pick 46 in the 2023 National Draft and has played 34 VFL games for Box Hill across his two seasons at the club.
Ryan averaged 18.6 disposals across his 15 VFL games this season, and with defender Changkuoth Jiath joining Melbourne and Seamus Mitchell not being offered a contract for 2026, there may be an opportunity for Ryan to break into the senior side next year.
Ruckman Uhr-Henry was picked up as a category B rookie after the 2024 season and featured in two VFL games for Box Hill, playing for East Ringwood as well, as he continues to develop his AFL skills after his first season in the AFL system.
Hawthorn national recruiting and list manager Mark McKenzie spoke highly of the young pair.
“Bodie and Jaime are both making strong progress in their development, and we look forward to seeing them grab this next opportunity with both hands,” McKenzie said.
“Bodie keeps impressing us with his commitment to learn and grow after only being drafted at the end of 2023, and for him to play a vital role in Box Hill's recent finals series will only add to his development.
“And, as we know, Jaime possesses some really unique physical assets with his size and work ethic, coupled with his basketball background, we're really optimistic about what he can become in the period ahead.”
The Hawks were the first team in VFL/AFL history to have zero debutants during the home and away season and will need to continue to develop talent, and may add more young talent for next season, as they currently hold Picks 10 and 22 for next month's AFL Draft.
