Other clubs already reviewed are: Western Bulldogs, Richmond Tigers, Geelong Cats, Fremantle Dockers, Carlton Blues, Essendon Bombers, St Kilda Saints, Melbourne Demons & Collingwood.
Jarryd Roughead and Buddy Franklin were simply amazing in 2008. Can they produce more like that again?
What Happened Last Year
Many were surprised by the sudden emergence of Hawthorn last year but the 2008 premiers were custom built for finals so it comes to no surprise they managed to do what they did.
Clarkson not only built the team but he also changed the way the game would be played with the now infamous cluster (read how to play and defeat it) and also unsociable football. This aside the team has excitement, flair, discipline (to a game plan) and the ability to win several premierships.
The New Season
Winning successive premierships is hard, you loose a star or two to injury or bad form and the ability of the club looks shaky. At the start of the year during the NAB pre season competition Hawks even struggled to field a side through major injuries to key and back up players.
While they will get most back for the start of the season, a lack of a full pre season may count against them and the Hawks may have a slow start to the season.
If the Hawks can get their best 18-20 players on the park towards the business end of the season, they will be a force.
Likely Finish: Top 4
Players to Watch
Jarryd Morton - Morton was a big name in the WAFL and his sons are making a name for themselves in Melbourne. Has the ability to make a real name for himself this year with Crawford’s retirement.
Chance Bateman - Not an obvious choice but is coming into his best years and with his flowing dreadlocks and hard hitting/ running play he is one to watch.
Travis Tuck – I have gone for another younger player who has showed a lot in his few games and has the ability to push for regular selection and keep senior players performing.
Max Bailey is one of several big men who need to improve and find a way into a strong Hawthorn side
Need to Improve
Max Bailey - While injuries have been cruel Max needs to improve and get some game time for the Hawks to keep him especially as they have an abundance of big talented men.
Mitchell Thorp - Again like Bailey limited opportunities to get game time has not helped but 2008 can be his time as players get back from injury.
List Cloggers
Its hard to have a list clogger when the hierarchy has on purpose got rid of them however I did find one..
Tim Boyle - Struggling to get a game as a key position player with Roughead and Buddy down forward. Hawks does have some room for a key defender but he does not seem suited there.
Your Views of Hawthorn in Season 2009?
What do you think of the Hawks in season 2009? Will they again be a force or will their pre season injury worries catch up on them? Will the other teams learn how to expose their style of football bringing them back to the pack?
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March 23rd, 2009 at 12:07 pm
The Hawks may have a slow start due to players being underdone due to injuries, and may even drop three of their first four games, however they will gain momentum through the second half of the season and most likely be the main challenger to Geelong come finals time.
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March 23rd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
They still looked alright in the NAB even with half their team out….
and Trent, what really matters is how you finish the season and not how you start it (note to Collingwood).
Thanks for your comments Trent.
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May 13th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Who are Hawthorn? – have they joined the VFL to replace University who left the League a few years ago, so the number of teams is an even ten again? If so, are they an adequate replacement for the University boys, or have they too lost a lot of chaps in the Great War? And how are this team Hawthorn going this year?
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