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With deals sewn up for Luke Hodge, Josh Gibson and Shaun Burgoyne, all Hawthorn’s older boys are there for 2017 with Sam Mitchell having signed in April. But is this correct thing to do for the Hawks’ future?
Over the last few years the Hawks have released one to three of its older bodies to give them the chance to blood the next generation. Greats from the club that have left, starting with Chance Bateman in 2012 and the last ones being Brian Lake and David Hale.
I see all four over-30 players signed for next year as a bad move. The Hawks need to be able to blood the younger players and make them less reliant on the established stars. Hodge and Burgoyne should have hung the boots up at the end of the year, With Mitchell and Gibson at a minimum doing another year or two.
But with it now done and dusted, there are some things I hope happen to make sure that the Hawks don’t do the same sky dive without a parachute from the top of the ladder like Fremantle did.
Give the captaincy to someone else
Hodge has been a fantastic leader for the Hawks since he took over as leader in 2011. But with him getting on it is time for someone else to take over the job. For me I think Liam Shiels is the best fit. He is the most under-appreciated player, and the Hawks’ midfield play better when he is fit and firing.
Delisting players
At the end of the season I think most likely the Hawks will delist Matthew Spangher. He has been a good backup player when he has been fit, but with the likes of Brand, Heatherley, Howe and Litherland, he is becoming less needed. He will always be a Hawks premiership player and cult figure with that beautiful hair.
Trade Lewis
Now this may upset some of the other Hawks fans but I think they should look at trading Jordon Lewis. We have just signed Mitchell, Hodge, Gibson and Burgoyne. He still has some worth at the trade table that could well get us someone that is about to hit their peak or wanting a new home.
For a young team that is needing a good head to help the younger ones and some experience he is a good fit.
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