When Alastair Clarkson wakes up post Lance Franklin trade, which voice do you think he hears in his head?
Firstly, a positive voice saying, “Okay so I still have my Coleman medallist, and Luke Breust, Jack Gunston and Cyril Rioli kicked 80 goals between them! Pfft, ‘Buddy’ who?”
Which he could be right in saying, they won a qualifying final without him; he only kicked one goal in both the preliminary and grand finals.
Their record without him is fine!
Then there’s the negative voice saying, “Besides last year ‘Buddy’ was my leading goal kicker since 2006. He took the best defender every game, leaving teammates room to work, oh…”
Whichever of these is going through Clarkson’s head, it’s perfectly understandable.
But when he does it in such a controversial way?
Which side are you on when it comes to ‘Buddy’?
The Hawks still have the best coach in the league. Clarkson has a 61 per cent winning record and could make a great player out of me, I’m sure of it.
Plan A: Find new goal kickers
The Hawks were ranked first in points per game, every team feared a shootout with these guys, but how much did ‘Buddy’ have to do with that.
Reigning Coleman medallist Jarryd Roughead’s career has benefited from Franklin. But he was always Roughy to Franklin’s superstar.
Can he handle the best defender every week?
Can Jack Gunston handle the extra pressure? Gunston’s great as a third target but when you move from backing vocals to a co-lead singing role the expectation can be enormous.
David Hale is a super target and Luke Breust just came off his best year of footy.
Cyril Rioli and Brad Hill will still blow by defenders and Paul Puopolo will wreak defensive havoc inside-50.
They were ranked number one for marks inside-50, is there enough targets to stay ranked so highly?
After carrying the load for so long by himself at St Kilda, Ben McEvoy will be relieved by David Hale in the ruck department.
The midfield has been at the crest of a wave for years. They were ranked second in effective disposals and didn’t dip below halfway on any stats that matter.
For all its knocks about lack of speed, the midfield were sensational last season with Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis, Luke Hodge and Brad Sewell all averaging above 20 disposals.
Proving he is one of the most highly rated players among opposition teams in the comp, often tagged Isaac Smith went to a new level last year and added the speed necessary for the Hawks.
Shaun Burgoyne helped across halfback with his beautiful ball use and converted crucial goals throughout the season.
If Jed Anderson and Will Langford want to break into the senior side on a regular basis they will have to use the ball as good as the names mentioned above.
And of the heartbreaking stories of 2013, Brendan Whitecross’ return from a knee injury will mean everything to his teammates.
Down back is where the Hawks will look to go forward.
Norm Smith medallist Brian Lake is a proven swingman and Josh Gibson kicked goals through the pre-season. Both of these guys could do damage forward.
Ryan Schoenmakers is slowly developing and he too has been trialled forward.
Ben Stratton is underrated, and one of the first picked every week.
The return of Matthew Suckling from a knee reconstruction is welcome news to Grant Birchall. The lethal lefties’ will help make up for the retirement of Brent Guerra.
Being the premiers you would expect a brutal draw, finishing second couldn’t be too bad besides last year, the pressure of finishing top dog hadn’t been good for the Hawks.
And yes I do think the Hawks will find other avenues to goal, because of one man, Alastair Clarkson.
Lad-View: second
Individual Predictions
Best and Fairest: Shaun Burgoyne
Goal Kicking Award: Jarryd Roughead
In The Hot Seat in 2014: The forward line if they want the cup again
Players You Need to Watch in 2014: Matthew Suckling
Things Most Looking Forward to Seeing in 2014: Hawks versus Franklin
Novelty Blog Award: Is placing the premiers second worth an award?
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