One change of AFL clubs is enough for Hawthorn forward Jack Gunston.
The 20-year-old will be a key player for the Hawks in Saturday’s grand final against Sydney, a year after Gunston made the controversial decision to leave Adelaide and return to his home state.
“At a young age – and I’d only been there for two years – that’s not something I want to go through again,” he said of leaving the Crows.
“It was definitely a tough call and I’m glad it’s panned out this way.
“It was great by both clubs that I ended up where my preference was.”
The Crows picked up Gunston in the 2009 draft and he played 14 AFL games in two seasons.
His move to Hawthorn had a touch of “sliding doors” to it in last Saturday’s preliminary final, when the Hawks beat Adelaide by just five points.
Gunston kicked two goals and who knows what might have happened had he decided not to come home.
“It’s been something different … hopefully I can be here for many years to come,” he said.
“Adelaide are obviously a quality side and I’m sure they’ll be up the top of the ladder for many years.”
Recruiting Gunston has been a massive boost for the Hawks’ attack.
After recovering from early-season groin problems, Gunston has kicked 37 goals in 18 games.
He was particularly handy when Lance Franklin was sidelined for six weeks ahead of the finals.
Despite his success, Gunston feels he is a long way from becoming an established AFL player.
“I don’t think I’m cemented, I feel like I’ve got to play good footy every week to keep my spot,” he said.
“But it was obviously the aim, when you come to a new club, you want to impress early.
“I was pretty hampered early, but it’s been a good second half of the year.”
As Gunston prepares for the biggest match of his life, he admitted he is still adapting to the sensation of playing at a packed MCG.
“The noise and the volume of the crowd is amazing,” he said.
“It’s nothing you can ever get used to – it’s great to be able to play in front of those types of crowds.”