Jai Newcombe’s rise from mature-age mid-season draftee to AFL midfield star has been further recognised, signing a long-term deal to remain at Hawthorn.
The Hawks on Wednesday afternoon confirmed Newcombe, 23, had signed a six-year contract extension.
Newcombe was already contracted until the end of 2026, but the new deal ties him to Hawthorn until at least the end of the 2032 season.
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Newcombe joins the likes of Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne), Aaron Naughton (Western Bulldogs), Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) and Sam Taylor (GWS Giants) as star players contracted until 2032. Only Fremantle’s Hayden Young (2033) and Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett (2034) are locked in for longer.
“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,” Hawks list boss Mark 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.”
After being selected in the 2021 mid-season draft, Newcombe has been a revelation for the Hawks, quickly becoming their premier midfielder.
Newcombe has finished in the top two of Hawthorn’s best and fairest for the past three straight years, claiming the Peter Crimmins medal in 2024.
He’s had a strong 2025 campaign to date, playing every game and averaging 22.3 disposals, 6.1 clearances, 5.9 score involvements and 5.3 tackles.
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