In 2006 Jesse Hawkesworth was an athlete who could long jump & sprint with the best in the State and who whilst he had played soccer for three years as a kid, had never (yes never) played a game of AFL
Fast forward to 2009 and Jesse's development has been fantastic and probably only a twanging hamstring (twice) saw him restricted to 6 Tiger's Senior games and missing a berth in the Pineapple Cup Grand Final.
In fact when Jesse lines up in a Noosa Tigers jumper in 2010 it will be the first time he has played for an AFL club two seasons in a row.
2007 saw Jesse play his first season of AFL with the Pomona Demons in the under 16's where they finished Runners Up. With no Pomona U/18 team and Noosa not in Division 1, 2008 saw Jesse playing with Caloundra U/18's which fortunately for us ended when Noosa U/18's stepped up to Div 1 and save the Hawkesworth's some valuable travel time.
Promotion to Fletch's Senior team soon followed and whilst he was still in learning mode, Jesse's match against Palm Beach at home saw him earn the respect of his mates and take the step up to senior footy.
Jesse's progress has been assisted by his involvement with the Power program which he has been involved in at U16 and U18 levels over the past 3 years.
When asked why AFL given his athletics results - he won gold in long jump in the Pacific School Games involving 28 visiting countries - and whilst dad played some footy in SA, Jesse indicates that it was his desire for a team sport rather than the solitary aspect of Athletics that saw him move from the great promise he showed on the track to AFL.
Away from footy our 183 cms utility is now working at the Blockwork Factory in Gympie and has just been promted onto the forklift, and with footy taking up some time as well his only other indulgence is doing up cars with his next project a Ford Escort.
All at Tigerland are grateful that Jesse chose AFL over athletics and this popular young man will hopefully take the next steps in 2010 to cementing a regular senior berth and helping our Tigers lift one spot on the ladder.
Good luck Jesse
Last Modified on 08/02/2010 17:22