The Hawks have blooded some younger players this year, but the up-coming game against Gold Coast could be the best time to bite the bullet and really shake things up.
Here is the team I want to see Hawthorn play:
B: Angus Litherland, James Frawley, Daniel Howe
HB: Kaiden Brand, Kurt Heatherley, Taylor Duryea
C: Billy Hartung, Jordon Lewis, Isaac Smith
HF: Luke Hodge, Tim O’Brien, Paul Puopolo
F: James Sicily, Jack Gunston, Cyril Rioli
FOL: Marc Pittonet, Kieran Lovell, Will Langford
I/C: Jonathon Ceglar, Kade Stewart, Liam Shiels, Josh Gibson
That team would have an average of 83.72 games experience, with an average age of 24.64 years.
This would be a drop from last week’s team of 43.78 games.
Along with giving the younger players experience in the AFL it would also give the like of Bradley Hill, who has not been playing the best this season, a chance to get some form back in the VFL.
The next generation of Hawks are winning games, having only lost to the Giants, Swans and Cats – teams fighting for the flag this year.
Hawthorn look likely to drop out of the top eight next year, but it will not be long before they are back on top again, and the younger ones in the above team will be the ones at the front of that resurgence.
Wilson
Roar Guru
We are not all arrogant Fan's at the Hawks and we know that we will not be at the top for ever it is just a few fan’s that make it bad for the rest of us. :) Agree with you about Sicily and O'Brien but Sicily is improving every week and stand up in big game but does still go missing at times O'Brien great mark in the air but need to bulk up.
Wilson
Roar Guru
Agree we have been bloodying player and we are doing that well O'Brian and Sicily have be coming along great. went with Litheerland as he was the best of the one I have seen and have not Seen anythink of Zac Webster.
Dave
Guest
I think the match committee know what they are doing
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
Huge difference between looking good in H&A with lesser opponents on you compared to finals with elite ones marking you And sure, both looking great long term but are a tad green now and in need of shielding. If Roughy was there, both would be lethal
Gecko
Guest
Surprising downbeat from Hawks fans. I would have thought the Hawks are still a good chance for another premiership this year. Sicily and O'Brien look adequate options to replace Roughie.
DeanM
Guest
It is a tough call, they also need to bolster their percentage and I don't see that happening either. Hawks have not looked the killer as much this season. Of all their young players it is the inside midfielders where the improvement will be most vital come September so blood them as first priority. Hawthorn don't need to win the contested possession count but a drastic improvement sure is needed if they want to be a serious contender. Improve that area in the midfield and the benefits flow both forward and back.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
We already have been blooding younger players with an eye on tomorow. if this wasn't the mindset, they would have kept Lake, Hale and Suckling. Also, if Roughy was fit and firing we would still be hot favs this year the unfortunate thing for us is the Roughy situation with him unlikely to play again. The unspoken part of this is not just his lose but the fact that he is arguably our highest paid player meaning it ties our hands from a salary cap sense. There is no way he will be delisted and with the AFL craving equalisation, one knows they will not make concessions for his salary in lieu of the exceptional circumstance. If they did, we could not only get the midfielder we desperately need but also another key position player. i am still very salty about us not pursuiing Carlilse more vigorously. As for your team, agree, with the exception of Litherland. i think he is very average and will be delisted. look for Zac Webster to play soon