Hawthorn
Coach – Alistair Clarkson
2017 –
Points For – 14th
Points Against –14th
Top 5 Best and Fairest
- Tom Mitchell
- Ben McEvoy
- Luke Hodge
- Ryan Burton
- Isaac Smith
2017 Rising Star Noms
Ryan Burton (Rnd 2)
Blake Hardwick (Rnd 15)
Ins – Jarmen Impey, James Worpel, Dylan Moore, Jackson Ross, Harrison Jones, David Mirra, Changkuoth Jiath
Outs – Josh Gibson, Jack Fitzpatrick, Luke Surman, Billy Hartung, Kade Stewart, Luke Hodge
My Prediction
So Hawthorns trading away of picks and working the free agency finally looks to have caught up with them. I am sure however that all the premierships make the fall easier to deal with.
The backline is starting to look better although at the expense of the forward line. The obviously have Frawley back there but last year Sicily and Gunston joined him. I am not sure if that is permanent but both looked comfortable back there. Burton is a star already and had massive upside still. They have Birchall from the other half back flank which if everyone stays fit is a pretty good backline.
The midfield looks thin for talent. Mitchell had an outstanding first season with the Hawks, they will be looking for more from Jaeger and he seems to be in the middle of a decent preseason which will give them hope. I remain unconvinced he will ever be the player he was. Burgoyne is a marvel and just rarely puts a foot wrong, Smith on the other wing gives them some toe but the depth of talent through the middle isnt strong enough to contend. They also lack the quality of ball use that they had at their peak.
The forward line could be anything this year. Could work really well or could be a car crash. You think Roughead should be better this year with his body getting back into the swing after a rough couple of years. O’brien looks a real talent. Then they have Cyril who doesnt seem able to do what he could but even 75% of Cyril is better than most small forwards. Then they have Puopolo who to me didnt look the same player last season and Bruest who is capable.
McEvoy is a good ruck although mobility is certainly a question of late. I dont rate Ceglar which to me makes this another area of concern.
For the Hawks to contend this year they obviously need to be better than last year. I dont think there is enough natural improvement in their list for that to be the case. I actually think it is more likely they are going to drop a little further this year. 7 of their best 22 will be over 30 by the end of the season. I think it could be a long rebuild for the Hawks. For mine this year I think 14-16.