Ranked 3.
Hawthorn
The Hawks were unstoppable in their Final Series quest and throughout the 08 Season for that matter and were well rewarded with winning the 2008 Premiership. They took there opportunities to beat the Cats, and for the boys down at Kardinia it won’t get any easier against the might Hawks this year so long as they can get enough of there good players out on the park. Any team that can boast Franklin and Roughead up forward gives them a a great head start on the competition, two players who are rarely out of a contest. I guess the question of premiership hangover will loom, and it may have its effect at some time during the year, but Hawthorn’s Investments have been all about rebuilding an era of football not just a premiership winning year. So I can’t see them slipping from the spot at the pointy end of the ladder, because of thoughts of over-achievement. They have invested in youth, picked correctly and got the mature age selections right as well to top them off.
Strengths
Best Forward Line & Trendsetting Zone Defense. Franklin & Roughead are two of the best five forwards in the game and to think they line-up in the same team with 8-10 good years in front of them is a salivating propostion, add the dynamic Cyril Rioli, who arguably is close to the best Small Half-Forward in the game and their you have your number one Forward-Line in the game. And there is no reliance on any one of these players individually. A great asset to have, something they might have over the rising Blues. They are also a year ahead with their Rolling Zone that every team is frantically trying to copy.
Weaknesses
Flank Depth. Thorp, Dowler, Schoenmakers, Lisle. We get it you like Key position players. But what happens if one of Bateman or Young goes down in form or injury. Remember Crawford is retired, Ellis, Mitchell, Hodge and Sewell aren’t huge line runners and goal kickers. You couldn't call it a weakness but they are definitely thin is this the department, nothing has grabbed me in there youngsters to suggest they can come in and do a job the equal of Bateman or Young. Alot rests on there form and health to provide the run.
X – Factor
Xavier Ellis was brilliant in the Grand Final, and he gives the Hawks options. He can be introduced into the Engine Room if required this year. They also held on to a lot of there depth talls so maybe they know something we don’t and there is something significant to come from the likes of Thorp, Muston or Dowler.
Final Word
They look to be going into the year with perhaps a few down in defense, Croad, Birchall, Gilham, Brown will all struggle to get on the park round one. It will be interesting to see how they go early if undermanned early. But barring anything catastrophic they will find themselves again in the top 4. I have them third at Round 22. |
