Is there enough fight in the Hawks camp to bounce back from their 2012 grand final disappointment?
A heartbreaking end to last year will be the key motivating factor as Hawthorn prepare to embark on the 2013 AFL season.
Losing the grand final to Sydney after controlling the game early will still be playing on the minds of both the playing group and coaching staff, not to mention the brown and gold faithful, and you can be assured that all involved will be doing their utmost to restore sanity at Waverley.
The addition of defender Brian Lake from the Bulldogs is enormous, especially with the remainder of last year’s squad staying together, and I cannot see the Hawks dropping off in their quest to return to the dais.
Lance Franklin and Sam Mitchell are at the peak of their game and really should fire in 2013, while the fitness of skipper Luke Hodge could be the difference between history and another missed opportunity.
There is a lot to like about the Hawthorn list, as there was last year, and it is going to be a case of overcoming their demons and playing with the freedom that got them to the 2012 decider in the first place.
The midfield is where it all starts and the Hawks are very adept in that area with Mitchell, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis, Brendan Whitecross and Liam Shiels backed by a host of others who can operate through the centre.
When you have the luxury of deploying a player with the ability of Franklin, the forward line is obviously a key area at your club and at Hawthorn this is certainly the case. They produced the highest total ‘for’ score last year, some 250 more than Adelaide, with a host of proficient goalkickers all contributing.
Buddy led the way but was ably assisted by Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli, Jack Gunston and Lewis who all kicked more than 25 goals. If that type of caring and sharing nature can continue in the Hawks forward 50 then they should be heavily involved come September.
The third-stingiest defence of 2012 has only improved with the arrival of Lake from the Bulldogs but the season-ending injury to Matt Suckling on the weekend could have an impact as his run, carry and sublime foot skills were vital last season.
All over the ground the Hawks appear to be balanced and anything short of a top-four finish will be considered a failure as Alistair Clarkson hopes his side sticks true to the club motto Spectemur agendo – Let us be judged by our acts – and atones for the 2012 shortcomings.
Key players
Lance Franklin – Superstar forward who possesses agility, speed, strength and goalkicking know-how.
Sam Mitchell – Ball winner with superb skills both sides of the body. Consistent, courageous and composed.
Luke Hodge – The heartbeat of the Hawks. This team will improve even further if he can get back on the park this year.
Break out potential
Liam Shiels – Has played 64 games but is ready to make his ascent from a run-with player to a genuine ball-winning midfielder.
Isaac Smith – Will get plenty more time on a wing now that Clinton Young has departed and could really explode.
Shane Savage – The half-forward, who can also operate on a wing, spent a lot of time as the sub last season but is now ready to become a crucial member of the Hawks line-up.
Promising youngsters
Jed Anderson – Inside midfielder with some tricks. Impressing coaching staff in pre-season.
Bradley Hill – Lightning quick. Needs more of an opportunity and should impress when given game time.
Key inclusions
Brian Lake – Significant addition to the Hawks’ premiership chances. Will hold down a key defensive position but will also knock up getting touches with his uncanny ability to read the play.
Notable departures
Chance Bateman – retired
Clinton Young – Collingwood
Stephen Gilham – GWS Giants
Tom Muprhy – Gold Coast
Predicted finish: Second
Worth a punt
Bradley Hill – to win NAB Rising Star: $15
Sam Mitchell – Most Super Coach Points Mids, Group 2: $6
Brian Lake – Most Marks for Season: $11
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