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The year ahead: Hawks and Eagles |
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by Jason Czorny | behindthegame.com.au
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BehindTheGame previews Hawthorn and West Coast's season ahead. While the Hawks are set to soar once more, the Eagles are looking for a year marred with less off-field controversy.
Note: For season previews of all other clubs, please see 'Columnists'.
HAWTHORN
Last year
The youthful Hawks exceeded everyone’s expectations, with a game plan based on hard running, aggression at the ball, teamwork and pin-point footy accuracy. Though not expected to make the top 8, Alistair Clarkson’s side spent the majority of the year in the top 4 before winning an elimination final against Adelaide to reach the semi-finals. Unfortunately, the Kangaroos were too tough an opponent and by far the better team on the night of the semi, disposing of the Hawks rather convincingly and ending Hawthorn’s stellar season.
With 2006 key target Mark Williams down with injury – long-term – by round 4 many wondered where the goals would come from. But enter Hawthorns newest hero, Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin. While not the most accurate kick – had a whopping 135 set shots at goal (more than any other forward in 2007) – Franklin was the go-to man who stood up and rose to the occasion, raising eyebrows and expert comparisons to retired Hawks champ Dermott Brereton.
Strengths
- Forwards
With Two proven targets – Franklin and Williams – very capable of kicking 60+ majors a season, there is no shortage of blue-chip forwards down at Waverley Park. Williams, now back from his spell on the sidelines, is a more-than-handy addition to the side that saw Lance Franklin come close to clinching his first Coleman medal in season 2007. No-named Tim Boyle proved his worth in providing a fine second target, and Roughead chipped in with 30 goals. Throw in 18-year-old Cyril Rioli, whose pedigree – and excitement – cannot be questioned and every opposition will be stretched.
- Midfield
General Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, and ultra-accountable Brad Sewell make a very tough extracting midfield which is able to match it with the best. The Hawks’ newly appointed top leaders, Mitchell and Hodge, are both within the top echelon of midfielders throughout the competition, while former rookie Sewell is ready to take the next step after winning the club’s best and fairest in 07 over the fancied Hodge and Franklin.
- Foot skills
One of Hawthorn’s main strengths is a host of left-footers who can deliver the ball over 40 meters straight onto the chest of a leading forward. When Clarkson was handed the reins of senior coach, his new side had the worst kicking efficiency in the AFL. General Manager of Player Personnel and Strategy Chris Pelchen and Clarkson have worked hard to turn it around, and today their on-field brigade host some of the deadliest kicks in the AFL.
Weakness
- Adaptability
When the Hawks are flying, there is not a better team to watch play. But when the game is played on other team’s terms, the young Hawks struggle. While this can also be banked ‘inexperience’, it’s an area that needs work. Often teams can turn games into scrappy affairs and ground the young Hawks’ running game.
Key Players
- Lance Franklin
21 years of age and is already a superstar of the competition. Franklin’s kicking is still an issue, but when he turns it on there is no stopping him. He stands at 198cm and moves like a 175cm crumbing forward. Agile enough to play in the midfield, ‘Buddy’ adds another bow to Hawthorns attacking midfielders since he can drag key defenders to areas they do not feel comfortable playing.
- Campbell Brown
An All-Australian medium-sized defender, Brown has made a name for himself beating and nullifying the impact of big forwards due to his remarkable vertical leap. In 2007 his key role in Hawthorn’s backline allowed inexperienced full-back Stephen Gilham respite.
- Chance Bateman
Oh, how this boy can run. Probably not the most polished skills in the team, but Bateman makes up for it in his ability to cover amazing distances on the field. He is a model to the new generation of AFL midfielders who are being taught to “run, run and run some more”. A solid link in Hawthorn’s running game; Chance has made up for the Hawks’ lack of outside midfielders. Look for him to shine again.
- Luke Hodge
A genuine superstar of the AFL, Hodge can do it all. His versatility, hardness, and brilliant foot skills make him unstoppable. He can simply win Hawthorn games. Adds fantastic presence and is perhaps the club’s best player.
Rookie to watch
- Cameron Stokes
Watch for this young man. Possibly a distant relative of Andrew Mcleod, Darwin locals have hailed Stokes and a top prospect. Prepared to put the hard work in to build a career, the youngster possesses good skills and harasses – something his team’s forward line has lacked for quite a few years.
Verdict
The future of the Hawthorn Football Club looks great. The club is over its turbulent times of 2003/2004 when in complete disarray, and on the up on and off the field through excelling leaders Jeff Kennett (President) and coach Clarkson. A good young list, two great leaders and the young superstar of the league, it’s only a matter of time before the Hawks’ hard yards and pure persistence pays off.
WEST COAST
Last year
The extravagant off-field year ended for the Eagles as it started, in absolute turmoil.
Ben Cousins was suspended by the West Coast Eagles before the season even began for missing a training session, before it was later discovered the champion midfielder had been using illegal substances.
As expected the media turned it into the biggest story in football history, totally overshadowing West Coast’s on-field season.
Though despite suffering from various injuries to key players Chris Judd and Daniel Kerr, the Eagles finished 3rd on the ladder and were still significant chances in September. They narrowly lost a final to Port Adelaide at AAMI stadium, before losing a home semi-final to Collingwood in extra-time.
Cousins did return for the Eagles at the latter end of the season, but amazingly his career as an Eagle ended when he ironically tore his hamstring in the shattering semi final defeat – a picture that signified West Coast’s season on the whole.
Cousins was then sacked during the off-season. But the year ended even worse for the Eagles, when Captain Chris Judd requested to be traded to a Melbourne based club.
Strength
- On-ball
Although now without both Ben Cousins and Chris Judd for various reasons, the Eagles strength is still their midfield. Daniel Kerr, Chad Fletcher, Michael Braun and Nicoski are just a handful of names that rounds out one of the best midfields in the competition. Not to mention the service it is provided by Dean Cox, the competitions premier ruckman.
Weakness
- Forwards
West Coast lacks a quality forward line to deliver its premiership ambitions. Big-man Lynch and Ashley Hansen are both serviceable players, but lack the muster to take a game by the scruff of the neck. However, the recruitment of Josh Kennedy from Carlton could be key as the ex-Blue has already shown promise during pre-season practice matches.
Key Players
- Dean Cox
As always, Cox will be a key for the Eagles throughout their season. The athletic ruckman will need to have another massive year for West Coast to be considered a premiership threat.
- Daniel Kerr
Determined Kerr will be the barometer and now lead the charge through the midfield, and will be expecting some heavier tags now that star-studded duo Cousins and Judd have departed.
- Darren Glass & Adam Hunter
All Australian full back Darren Glass will again be looked upon to marshal his fellow defenders, and defender turned swingman Adam Hunter will also play a key part in the Eagles' season.
Rookie to watch
- Ebert and Co
Enjoying what was a sensational draft, due to the trading of Judd, West Coast picked up some potentially star young midfielders in the forms of Brad Ebert, Scott Selwood and Chris Masten, who will all be ones to look out for in 08.
Verdict
Many have been quick to dismiss the Eagles since the deployment of stars Chris Judd and Ben Cousins, however this side still has the potential to win a premiership.
West Coast recruiters and player developers have shown in the past they are capable of nurturing their talent to the full potential and it wouldn’t be surprising to see some exciting youngsters come through as early as 2008. With the home ground advantage of Subiaco, the Eagles will push for a finals place. |
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