With the Giants looking like they need at least one more season before coming into finals contention, we move onto last year’s premiers – who once again will be the team to beat.
Last season
Win a Premiership in 2013 and lose arguably your most damaging player – the jury was out on Hawthorn in 2014. What they produced next was simply outstanding.
Other than going back to back, they well and truly shook their Geelong hoodoo, and a number of players have progressed nicely.
The usual suspects in Jarryd Roughead, Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge were outstanding with Jordan Lewis, Jack Gunston, and Luke Breust taking their games to another level.
Isaac Smith was getting tagged off a wing and the most impressive aspect was how players came into the team and played a role, often exceeding expectations.
This season
Bringing in James Frawley was another masterstroke, strengthening the backline and also giving Alastair Clarkson a swingman he can use. At times last season the defence was an area of concern playing undersized.
James Frawley is an immediate fix that will also give Josh Gibson extra freedom to go third man up in contests. Jono O’Rourke is a former number two draft pick who will relish the leadership around him and add depth to an already deep list.
All signs suggest the Hawks will be formidable in 2015 and expect them to be playing off in the grand final once again.
Who to look out for
Matt Suckling has long been famed for his ability to execute by foot. He showed glimpses of his ability last season but his confidence looked low at times which could be attributed to his return from injury or the need to provide extra defensive support to the depleted stocks.
This season, with Frawley added, expect Gibson to provide a chop out then utilise Suckling more to rebound from defensive 50. Has the ability to be an 80-metre player and will hopefully display his talent more consistently this season.
Needs a big year
Ben McEvoy was very lucky to play in a premiership last season. Injuries cruelled his consistency and Jonathan Ceglar looked right at home, if not more exciting, when given the chance. Coming over from St Kilda he was set to be the solid ruckman the Hawks had longed for since the Spider Everitt and Paul Salmon days.
The Hawks forward line structure, although with multiple goal kicking options, relies on David Hale providing a contest and dragging a tall defender away from Jack Gunston. If Dave Hale is required to cover the ruck from McEvoy extra pressure goes onto Gunston.
If he gets his body right expect him to gain confidence and consistency.
Best 22
FB: Gibson, Lake, Stratton
HB: Suckling, Frawley, Birchall
C: Smith, Hodge, Hill
HF: Puopolo, Hale, Rioli
FF: Breust, Roughead, Gunston
R: McEvoy, Lewis, Mitchell
I: Burgoyne, Shiels, Langford, Duryea
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