In his first season in Gold Coast colours, Jack Hombsch stood up when the odds were stacked against him.

Originally recruited as a second or third tall defender from Port Adelaide, compounding injuries to Rory Thompson and Sam Collins saw Hombsch become the number one man in defence. 

When Collins went down in Round 9, it was Hombsch who stepped up to take the opposition’s best forwards each week.

He was often outsized in one-on-one contests but showed true grit to apply his craft in trying circumstances.

The 194cm defender played all 18 games to start the year before suffering an ankle injury in Round 19 which ended his season prematurely.

Hombsch rated above average in multiple categories this season, most notably one percenters (7.2 per game) and kick efficiency (80%, highest amongst SUNS to play three or more games).

Entering his second year at the club, the 26-year-old will be looking to develop his game further with the returns of Thompson and Collins.
 

Best game:

Hombsch stood up against his former side, registering season-highs in disposals and marks in Round 9 against Port Adelaide. In wet and trying conditions, Hombsch had 14 possessions (seven contested) and seven marks (three intercept marks).
 

Moment of the season:

While his focus has been on his defensive craft, as the season wore on Hombsch became more confident taking the game on. His elite foot skills were on show in Round 18 when the defender drilled a pass down the middle of the ground then continued his attack with some gut running to help his team score. His efforts saw his play dissected in the The Challenge for Round 19.

Year in a movie title:

The Fighter