Hawthorn defender Denver Grainger-Barras made a promising start to his AFL career in Sunday’s win over GWS at the MCG.
Grainger-Barras made his long-awaited debut against the Giants after spending an indefinite stint on the sidelines with a knee injury sustained in a VFL practice match in March.
The 19-year-old showcased his aerial strength, taking four marks and collecting seven disposals before a head knock prematurely ended his afternoon.
Kane Cornes was extremely impressed with what he saw from the Hawks first-gamer, who got 56 minutes of game time under his belt.
“What about their new toy? The No.6 pick from last year’s draft, Denver Grainger-Barras,” Cornes told SEN Mornings.
“I couldn’t have been any more impressed with him. He plays the Hawthorn way – he’s got future captain written all over him.
“I don’t want to overreact, but he has the attributes to be an absolute star.”
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Sam Frost expects Hawthorn teammate Grainger-Barras, who stands at 195cm, to hold down a key defensive post for many years to come.
“He just attacks the contest and the ball,” Hawks defender Frost told SEN Mornings.
“He does have a bit of fire in him, so he won’t take a backward step at all. He’s willing to cop what comes his way as well.
“It would have been frustrating for him having that little knee niggle and it probably dragged out a bit longer than they were hoping.
“He’s going to have a really long career. You’re going to see a lot more of what you saw yesterday (Sunday) from him, that’s for sure.”
Hawthorn selected Grainger-Barras with pick No.6 in last year’s draft – their first top 10 selection since 2006.