In summary:

Unheralded Swan George Hewett laid claim to a hit list of the highest order in season 2018, quelling the influence of Dustin Martin, Nat Fyfe, Patrick Cripps and a host of other midfield guns.

In a similar way to how Sydney defender Nick Smith quietly tames the impact of the opposition’s most damaging small forward, Hewett without fuss again took on one of the most selfless roles.

But Hewett’s contribution was not limited to his substantial shutdown feats, with the South Australian averaging 19 possessions (11 contested) per game.

Hewett’s admirable durability again shone through in 2018, with the 22-year-old playing every game for a second season in a row.

The no-frills midfielder has played 71 of a possible 73 senior matches since becoming a Swan ahead of season 2016.

What the numbers say:

Games: 23

Kicks: 170

Handballs: 259

Disposals: 429

Contested possessions: 255

Clearances: 108

Inside 50s: 49

Marks: 51

Tackles: 90

AFL Fantasy: 65.9 (average)

Best performance:

Round 23: Sydney Swans v Hawthorn, SCG

Hewett stood tall in a losing cause as the Swans met the Hawks in the last round of the regular season. The youngster collected 24 possessions (19 contested), 12 clearances and six tackles, while he also kept dangerous Hawthorn midfielder Tom Mitchell to just nine first-half touches and 24 for the night. Hewett earned two Brownlow Medal votes and six AFL Coaches’ Association votes for his starring display.

Milestone:

Playing 50^th game

Hewett notched his 50^th AFL game as Sydney met Port Adelaide at the SCG in Round 2. Coach John Longmire offered Hewett worthy praise ahead of his milestone match, saying “he’s underrated but is highly valued inside the Club”.

What they said:

Midfield coach Brett Kirk

“The role George played for us this year was really important. He was rarely beaten – probably got beaten a couple of times throughout the season. But we’re talking top-line talent: Tom Mitchell, Dustin Martin, Nat Fyfe, Clayton Oliver. Not only was he curbing their influence, his ability to be able to read the play and know when to impact and know when to stop his opponent just kept developing throughout the year. He plays a lot of minutes through the midfield, so we also need him to be able to impact with the ball and he was able to do that in spades."

In pictures:

George Hewett does his best to beat traffic in his 50th AFL match, the Swans' clash with the Power at the SCG.

George Hewett and star Tiger Dustin Martin contend for possession at Etihad Stadium.

George Hewett gets a handball away as the Swans face the Hawks at the SCG. 

Stay tuned for more season reviews at sydneyswans.com.au over the coming weeks.