26. Zac Dawson

[philhawk]

According to the My Man Thread (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=291068), it looks like Cheeseman will have one of the hardest jobs on this board - looking after none other than the 'Zac Attack'!

Take it away, Cheeseman (and goodluck :p)!

[Cheeseman]

I will be starting this thread with a series of articles
Re: Zac "The Cougar" Dawson just to bring his development into focus.
As the season progresses, and we have some substantial performances, or lack thereof to comment on, I'm sure it will blossom into a widespread discussion/bash. :thumbsu:

Please enjoy the read, as i will be doing a fair bit of searching for past information that may have been forgotten, or never seen the light of day.

The one thing I will ask of contributors in this thread is, please remain construcive, and check your bias at the door, Zac plays for OUR club, and should be treated with the same respect afforded all Hawthorn players past and present.

Enjoy ;)




http://gfc.com.au/cp2/c2/webi/article/303880bg.jpghttp://gfc.com.au/cp2/c2/webi/space.gifSpud backs Zac
2:41:16 PM Fri 20 October, 2006
Paul Gough
Sportal for afl.com.au
Hawthorn's new part-time defensive coach Danny Frawley has already met with the club's young full-back Zac Dawson and is confident the raw 20-year-old has what it takes to become a top class defender.

Dawson endured a torrid 2006 season when he was forced to play on some of the game's best spearheads as he regularly conceded height and weight, not to mention years of experience, to his rivals.

On two occasions this year Dawson had eight goals kicked on him - firstly by Collingwood's Anthony Rocca and then by the Kangaroos' Nathan Thompson - with Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson copping plenty of criticism for keeping Dawson on both players for too long.

However Frawley, who agreed to help the Hawks' defenders on a part-time basis earlier this week, is confident Dawson will be a much-improved player next season.

zMSgetJS('adsize=300x250&position=island');
"I have had a brief chat to Zac today and he really wants to play there (full-back) and that is pretty important," Frawley told Sportal on Friday following a training session with the Australian International Rules squad at the Hawks' home base at Waverley Park.

"The last thing you want is people not to want to put their hand up and take on the challenge because it's a pretty hard to play in the cage, which is what I call full-back, week in, week out."

Frawley, one of the game's best full-backs in the 1980's and 1990's, said learning to deal with the mental pressure of playing in one of the AFL's toughest positions was one of hardest aspects for a young defender still learning his craft.

"I think if you ask any full-back it's not a matter of if, but when you get touched up, and I think he (Dawson) was dealt with harshly in the media this year."

"When a young midfielder starts people say he is not too bad when he gets one or two touches because his mistakes aren’t highlighted on the scoreboard but with Zac, as with all full-backs, his mistakes are highlighted on the scoreboard and that is what makes the position such a high pressure one."

"That (dealing with that pressure) is half the battle and it's a matter of not worrying about the last error because if you do then you become reactive."

"But the fact I have played a lot of football down there means I should be able to help them (the Hawks young defenders) somewhat."

Frawley might have had a tough finish to his time as Richmond coach but he has a great record of working with defenders and is widely credited for the improvement in Collingwood's Mal Michael and Simon Prestigiacomo during his time as an assistant coach to Tony Shaw as well as Andrew Kellaway and Darren Gaspar - who played their best football under Frawley - while this year the improvement in Melbourne full-back Nathan Carroll coincided with Frawley working as a part-time defensive coach with the Demons.

While the Hawks wanted Frawley on a full-time basis, the former St Kilda captain agreed to two training sessions a week due to his business and media interests.

But he is looking forward to helping the Hawks' host of talented young talls.

"Their tall youngsters such as Zac Dawson, Stephen Gilham, Thomas Murphy, Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead are all blue-chip youngsters but they are three of four years away from playing to their potential," he said.

"It's a matter of getting the basics right and working over and over with them but people have got to have a little bit of patience with these guys, but I played there (in defence) all my life and I think I can help those guys a little bit."

[Cheeseman]

Zac ready to fight demons

Scott Gullan
February 09, 2007 12:00am
Article from: http://www.news.com.au/images/sources/h14_heraldsun.gif
Send this article: Print (http://www.news.com.au/sundayheraldsun/story/0,,21195668-11088,00.html?from=public_rss#) Email (http://www.news.com.au/sundayheraldsun/email/popup/0,21993,21195668-11088,00.html)

IT NORMALLY takes more than 14 games for a young footballer to make his mark on the AFL scene. Not Zac Dawson.
His celebrity status was guaranteed on a Sunday afternoon back in April last year courtesy of an Anthony Rocca onslaught which made the Hawthorn defender the centre of the football universe. When Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson kept the fresh-faced 20-year-old on the rampaging Rocca despite him kicking five goals in the third quarter, he ignited a debate which would rage for weeks.

"I was a household name and I didn't even do anything," Dawson said yesterday.

"It was pretty hard because it wasn't like I had done anything special yet my name was in the paper every day for a month.

"It was weird, just weird because I was playing on guys who were 20 kg heavier than me so it was pretty hard.

"There was no one else to do it and it wasn't like I could put my hand up and say get me off the ground or I don't want to play here."

Dawson, playing just his fourth game in the Round 2 against Collingwood, actually thought he was travelling all right at halftime with Rocca scoring just one goal and the Hawks leading by nine points.

"I thought I was doing all right and then the third quarter we just lost the midfield and suddenly it was just me and him," he said.

"It certainly was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be and the next day I am in the paper and on the back page where I seemed to stay for the next week or two."

Dawson said he coped with the scrutiny at the time fairly well and stayed in the team until Round 9.
He returned in Round 15 for four weeks before seeing out the season with Box Hill.

"My family was good and all the boys got around me and told me not to worry about it," he said. "I didn't really lose confidence and I think I dealt with it pretty well considering. I think it was pretty much out of my mind after Round 5 or 6."

He did revisit that dark afternoon at the end of the season when he sat down with his father and watched replays of the Collingwood match.

"I didn't really think about it until after the whole season was finished," Dawson said. "My old man had all the videos and I sat down and watched all of them.

"It was pretty sh.thouse watching it really but I sat there and listened to what they (commentators) were saying."

At his end of season review with Clarkson, the coach stressed how everything had been done for a reason -- the move had been forced because of injury problems -- and that he needed to put on weight so he could compete better with the likes of Rocca.

"I've put on nearly 8 kg since Round 22 and I'm now up to 94kg," Dawson said. "I think I have stopped growing, I'm now 197cm, and basically I'm eating like a horse, five meals a day.

"Already I have noticed I can hold my ground a lot better and I'm not getting pushed out of the way. But the key is I have kept my speed, I don't want to lose that, so it's all looking pretty good for this year."
As for his celebrity status,

Dawson says: "I suppose it's better to be known than just washed under the carpet."

[Cheeseman]

Bulking up AFL style

BY LISA SUTHERLAND, SPORTS DIETITIAN AND FITNESS CONSULTANT, HAWTHORN FOOTBALL CLUB
FRIDAY, 4 JUNE 2004


AFL footballers are full-time athletes with demanding training schedules. Like all elite athletes, they realise the importance of a healthy diet for optimal training and performance. Training goals in AFL vary at different stages of the season, with dietary requirements varying accordingly. To gain an edge and make the most out of training and diet, preparation must commence well before the competitive season begins.
The two main pre-season goals are:

to lose body fat gained during the break from training
to increase muscle mass to develop strength and speed for the season aheadThe dilemma facing younger, leaner players is that energy or kilojoule requirements are often extremely high. Sports dietitians at football clubs take this into account when advising players on appropriate eating for optimal body composition. Players have their body composition assessed regularly to monitor weight, body fat and muscle mass changes.
Kilojoules are increased to fuel:

general growth
muscle mass gain
energy for trainingAt some stage during the season, training at a club such as Hawthorn may include three weights sessions, four skills sessions, one to two sprint or run sessions, and some recovery sessions in between. The challenge is to maintain a high kilojoule intake that can fuel this activity, along with matchplay, while meeting specific player goals for increased muscle mass.
A good quality, varied diet is an essential base to ensure dietary requirements are met. Nutrition supplements are effective and convenient when used in conjunction with a balanced diet to help meet increased nutrient requirements during heavy training periods. Protein supplements such as Aussie Bodies Weight Gainer (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/), Protein FX (http://www.healthbrands.com.au/topics/muscle/products/bars/protein+fx.htm) and Protein Revival (http://www.healthbrands.com.au/topics/muscle/products/drinks/protein+revival.htm) are extremely useful for athletes trying to increase muscle mass but keep body fat levels low.
Protein is critical for muscle growth. Protein provides the amino acids (building blocks) for muscle repair. Amino acid availability is essential following high-intensity exercise.
There are two key points to keep in mind when combining a resistance training program with a mass gains nutritional program:

adequate protein intake is essential to support muscle mass gain and recovery following exercise
total energy intake is more important than excessive protein intake for maintaining and increasing muscle massFoods containing approximately 10g protein include:

2 small eggs
300mL low-fat milk
30g reduced-fat cheese
70g cottage cheese
200g low-fat yoghurt
35g lean red meat (beef, pork, lamb)
40g skinless chicken
50g fresh fish, tuna or salmon
140mL Protein Revival
13g Perfect Protein (http://www.healthbrands.com.au/topics/muscle/products/powders/perfect+protein.htm)
½ Protein FX barWhile protein is important, it is also essential to include carbohydrate in the diet to ensure optimal energy levels for training sessions and games. AFL footballers do a combination of strength, anaerobic and aerobic training and for this reason need a range of different nutrients in the diet. Carbohydrates provide most of the fuel for intermittent exercise and adequate stores are critical for maintaining energy levels and sustained performance. Individual carbohydrate requirement is highly specific to physiology and exercise patterns. Adequate carbohydrate also helps to protect body protein stores from being broken down as fuel source, as the carbohydrates are used in preference. Foods that are high in carbohydrates include: pasta, noodles, rice, bread, potatoes, cereal, fruit, sweetened dairy foods and sports drinks.
For optimal body composition it is also important to keep fat intake low.
Ways to reduce fat intake:

remove fat and skin from meats and chicken
use low-fat dairy foods
use minimal amounts of oil, butter, margarine and cream
avoid deep fried foods and pastry products
limit take-away and highly processed foods
be aware of hidden fat in biscuits, cakes, chips, confectionery, etc
learn to read labels and identify fat in foodsPractical nutrition strategies to promote muscle mass gain:

Eat frequently: at least every 2-3 hours
Consume 6-7 medium sized meals/snacks per day
Choose foods that are high in kilojoules, carbohydrate and protein
Include protein in most meals/snacks
Keep total fat intake low, but include small amounts of healthy fatsCase Study: Zac Dawson
Zac is a young Hawthorn ruckman or key position player who has been developing physically at VFL level. Zac has realised the benefits of increased food intake, with a focus on increasing protein in the diet. He has made some big changes to his diet during the pre-season and experienced a weight gain of 4.5kg over 4 months.

Height: 195cm
Weight at start of pre-season: 78.9kg
Weight at start of season: 83.4kgZac increased protein intake by increasing protein foods in his diet, such as meat, fish, chicken, eggs, milk, cheese and yoghurt. He also incorporated Aussie Bodies Weight Gainer 2-3 times per day, with milk, choosing protein drinks and snacks, such as Protein Revival, Protein FX bars and flavoured milk drinks, immediately after training.
Zac continues to maintain a higher protein intake and plans ahead to ensure consistent high-kilojoule, well-balanced meals and snacks.
Zac's sample meal plan:
Breakfast

2 toasted sandwiches with low-fat cheese (or baked beans, or ham and low-fat cheese)
1 banana
500mL milk drink
or


1 cup natural muesli OR 3 cups wheat flake cereal with low-fat milk
200g tub yoghurt
375mL Protein RevivalMid-Morning (post-training)

500mL Perfect Protein adding banana and yoghurt; or 500mL Weight Gainer
piece of fruit or muesli barLunch (take from home as often as possible)

2 sandwiches/rolls/pita bread with skinless chicken or turkey or tuna or low-fat cheese and salad
500mL softdrink or cordial
or


large serve pasta (3 cups) with chicken/tomato based-sauce and low-fat cheese
500mL flavoured milkMid-Afternoon

500mL Perfect Protein or Weight Gainer
1 banana
wholegrain dry biscuits with low-fat cheeseDinner

300-400g of either meat/fish/chicken; or 4 eggs (2 yolks, 4 whites)
2-3 cups cooked rice/pasta/bread/potato
3-4 different vegetables, large serves
options:


grilled steak with vegetables (including potatoes)
baked fish and vegetables with rice
2-3 cups pasta with tomato-based sauce containing chicken or tuna or beans or mince
meat/chicken and vegetable casserole with rice
beef/chicken and vegetable stir-fry with noodles or riceAfter Dinner

Low-fat yoghurt or custard with fresh/canned fruit-----------------------------------------------------------------------

I thought this article may bring in to focus, the dedication and time required to build the body required to play AFL at the top level.

This article, as stated, is from 2004, and shows you how far Zac has come in his physical development thus far. :thumbsu:


Height is now 197cm
Weight is now 94kg

[philhawk]

Great stuff, Cheeseman.

Terrific article on Dawson (the case study). I also liked your words about Zac being a member of the Hawthorn team and deserves a fair go!

[GALON]

Zac, the one guy on our list who doesn't get a fair go.
I've gone in to bat for him against many at BF, even our own supporters.
I believe.

C'mon Zac, shut the doubters up.

[Roughie]

I wish the media didnt beat up on him as much as they did and there wouldnt have been as much pressure on Dawson.

He has been good so far, and teams are still trying to isolate the Dawson match up. I hope he can continue to improve this season and shut up the memberswho have already written Dawson off pre maturely.

[hardway]

Was lining up behind him at Uni the other day and i didnt think there was much of him.. Im half a foot shorter and i felt confident that i could pull down a few marks against him.. But good luck to the boy and hope he makes it...

[Roughie]

Was lining up behind him at Uni the other day and i didnt think there was much of him.. Im half a foot shorter and i felt confident that i could pull down a few marks against him.. But good luck to the boy and hope he makes it...


Lucky you dont play afl then hey? ;)

[Hawk0373]

I am one of the doubters - I'll admit it.

Perhaps I should lower my expectations this year and afford him some more game time. I guess the fundamental areas I'd like to see him improve in are positioning/body work, reading the play and effective spoiling. This tackles the one on one duels, playing forward or from behind and providing support for other defenders (hitting packs). Also would like to see him develop a more creative running game where he becomes an option/provides a link to enable effective clearances from defensive 50.

I think it's fair to say that by season's end, and barring injury, we should be able to determine whether he will cut it as a FB.

Good luck to him.

[jase]

I am one of the doubters - I'll admit it.

Perhaps I should lower my expectations this year and afford him some more game time. I guess the fundamental areas I'd like to see him improve in are positioning/body work, reading the play and effective spoiling. This tackles the one on one duels, playing forward or from behind and providing support for other defenders (hitting packs). Also would like to see him develop a more creative running game where he becomes an option/provides a link to enable effective clearances from defensive 50.

I think it's fair to say that by season's end, and barring injury, we should be able to determine whether he will cut it as a FB.

Good luck to him.

"Here here" H0373.
could'nt agree more, I have enough faith in our coaching staff to believe they see his potential. I realise our game plan involves alot of running by hand out of defence,(which Infuriates me sometimes) but I'd really like to see Zac use his foot more. C'mon Zac give us some clearance kicks!!!!

[Cheeseman]

Those keen observers will appreciate the fact that our loss on Saturday night was in no way attributable to Zac's performance. ;)

[DannyJ]

Those keen observers will appreciate the fact that our loss on Saturday night was in no way attributable to Zac's performance. ;)


I Heard Box Hill got rolled, mayb Zac had a shocka in the VFL practise match. Or didn't we risk him, considering the VFL is of little importance?;)

[Cheeseman]

LOL hello again mate, He actually played in the ruck and across half-back and was far from the worst on the ground. :thumbsu:

[DannyJ]

LOL hello again mate, He actually played in the ruck and across half-back and was far from the worst on the ground. :thumbsu:

ROFL:D

It didn't surprise me.

[bender22]

How's the Zac attack been recently? Heard that he's been playing some good footy... bulked up much? Looking at a recall any time soon?

[Cynic]

He's good enough but our defence is pretty solid at the moment.

[hawkstars]

Like the last post said he has been great but back line too solid at the minute. I think very soon though

[Cheeseman]

His positioning has improved, and his confidence is on the up as a result.

Rather than a dodgy fist, If he makes the front position, He now backs himself to take the mark.

Zac is also starting to use it by foot when the option arises, and has a fairly penetrating and accurate kick.

He clearly loves laying a good bump on blokes and showed more desperation without the ball than the rest of Box Hill combined on the weekend, Thorp and Gibson excluded.

Has been in Box Hill's best every week, and is clearly benefitting from another preseason under his belt.

His form warrants a recall, but noone's form warrants an omission in our defensive setup.

[Cheeseman]

Zac has been named first emergency for the last 2 weeks, a fitting reward for the efforts he has shown at Box Hill.

The good form shown by Hawthorns current backline is the only thing keeping the youngster from making the step back up to the AFL for his first time in 2007.

Once again named in Box Hill's best last weekend, Keeping young gun Tom Hawkins to 2 posessions and no goals in the process.

With the improvement that Dawson has shown this year, it is clear he will get more opportunities to show the doubters that he is indeed working hard to earn his spot in Hawthorn's senior team.

Keep it up Zac. :thumbsu:

[Cheeseman]

I am pleased to announce that Zac Dawson, along with Campbell Brown and Ben McGlynn, have been re-signed by the Hawthorn football club.

Zac's form this year in the VFL has been extremely solid, and is seen as a long term player for the Hawks, as stated by Alastair Clarkson in an interview some weeks ago.

Dawson is now contracted until the end of 2008, and is seen as an integral part of the much needed depth at our football club.

See link for article http://hawthornfc.com.au/Season2007/...x?newsId=46473 (http://hawthornfc.com.au/Season2007/...x?newsId=46473)

Keep up the good work Zac, we know you can make it. :thumbsu:

[Peter Knights]

Delighted to see Zac's contract extended and when he gets his chance will not let us down. Can't wait for fellow posters to choke when he does.

[Cheeseman]

Just a few images of The Cougar to add to the thread, afterall, this one's all about number 26. :thumbsu:

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/5153/zac1an3.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7760/zac4nz9.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/1901/zac3hz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

PS: Check the size of the thighs in the shot where he's running off Lloyd. :thumbsu:

[JoondalupJ]

I have always thought Zac Dawson had something. A big long skinny looking
critter that looked like a good wind would blow him away.He never ever gives in just keeps doing as he has to whether VFL or AFL he will make the grade because he has Hawk in him. Perseverance, strong will, now I have heard that he is getting bigger even better news ,but he always is going to make it
He looked so young getting a belting from those big forwards, what tough genious from AC ,Zac knows exactly what to expect now, there is no other way but to jump in and swim,he'll be back bigger and better and a well informed young gun. Couragious kid.

[JoondalupJ]

I am pleased to announce that Zac Dawson, along with Campbell Brown and Ben McGlynn, have been re-signed by the Hawthorn football club.

Zac's form this year in the VFL has been extremely solid, and is seen as a long term player for the Hawks, as stated by Alastair Clarkson in an interview some weeks ago.

Dawson is now contracted until the end of 2008, and is seen as an integral part of the much needed depth at our football club.

See link for article http://hawthornfc.com.au/Season2007/...x?newsId=46473 (http://hawthornfc.com.au/Season2007/...x?newsId=46473)

Keep up the good work Zac, we know you can make it. :thumbsu:
Marvelous!

[ScottyDog]

Fantastic endorsement for Zac. Suspect that we will real see him step up in the next few weeks now that he can stop worrying about next year.

[HawkFan15]

How's the Zac attack been recently? Heard that he's been playing some good footy... bulked up much? Looking at a recall any time soon?

Saw Zac Dawson at the hawks vs tigers game on the weekend. Now nothing special about that, but he was eating 2 chicken fillet burgers from red rooster. Good to see his is trying 2 bulk up a bit.

[Cheeseman]

Zac Dawson had a solid development year at Box Hill for the duration of the 2007 VFL season.

There is no doubt that this experience will put The Cougar in good stead for a return to the senior squad for 2008.

Showing endeavour and mongrel in equal parts all season, Zac has done his development no harm in 2007, and I look forward to Zac putting another hard pre-season into his developing frame.

Best of luck over the next few months Zac, It's been a pleasure to follow your progression. :thumbsu:

P.S: I would love to provide stats for Zac's year, but the VFL is pitiful when it comes to sourcing this type of information.

[The Messenger]

Has anybody else seen the profile photo for Zac Dawson on Facebook. It's gold, spitting image of the great man.

[Thaihawk]

The next Darren Glass!

[Big Ronnie]

With selection 23 Lethalselbow has declared "Zac, will be back"

They are down at Burger Inc right now, where with a plunger Lethal has just jammed down Zacs 15th burger!

Nice work :thumbsu:

BR:thumbsu:

[lethalselbow]

According to the My Man Thread (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=291068), it looks like Cheeseman will have one of the hardest jobs on this board - looking after none other than the 'Zac Attack'!

Take it away, Cheeseman (and goodluck :p)!

Umm... I'm confused. (not hard to do)

[thatswhatimtalkinabout]

Umm... I'm confused. (not hard to do)

Cheeseman was last season Lethal, this year you are the Zacman! A very good base to work from too after the fine effort the Cheeseman has put in.

[lethalselbow]

Zac Dawson

Height: 197cm
Weight: 98kg
Date of Birth: 22/02/1986
Games to Date: 14 (2 - 2005, 12 - 2006, 0 - 2007)
Position: Key Position Defender
Recruited From: Calder Cannons at the 2003 Draft
http://users.tpg.com.au/toydream/dawson2.jpg

After debuting in 2005 in the final two rounds of the season, Zac stepped up to the plate to become Hawthorn's "controversial" key position defender in 2006. In 2006, Zac played the first 8 games of the season and did a reasonable job on field, but created a storm off field. Zac had to confront monster forwards with far more experience then himself and the confrontation in round 2 versus Collingwood was heavily debated by supporters and the media. Anthony Rocca kicked 8 goals on the, then, 4 gamer and was a major reason for Collingwood winning the game. But Dawson was back on the key forwards the following week and was given the job on Geelong's key forward, Kent Kingsley - who had kicked 8 goals the previous week. Zac kept Kingsley goalless for the game. Zac was dropped for round 9 in 2006 and spent the remainder of the season, apart from 4 games (rounds 15 - 18) with the Box Hill Hawks.

2007 saw Zac spend the season playing with the Box Hill Hawks. All reports were positive and Zac's skills grew with the season. Highlights included round 8 versus Geelong where he kept Geelong star, Tom Hawkins, goalless.

2008 promises to be the season when Zac returns to the big league. According to Captain Sam Mitchell - "Zac is a better footballer for 2007, even though he didn't get a game. He's currently training the house down and will be fighting for a spot in '08"

Bigger, better, faster and fitter than before. Zac will be fighting hard for a regular spot in 2008.

Zac's back, baby. Zac's Back!!

[Tonka]

By August 2008 it will be 3 years since Zac made his debut and we should start to see some of what he has got. He was always likely to be a late developer IMO. Quick, tall, with good reach, but an athlete learning the game (and doubt he woud have played as a FB before coming to Hawthorn), like for instance Croad. But unlike Croad, not talented enough to be an early draft pick. Hope he is worth the wait, if not he has been worth the risk. Go Zac.

[Cheeseman]

Zac said earlier this year that he has filled out to the following physical specs.

Height is now 197cm
Weight is now 94kg

Ive now heard that he is tipping the scales at 98kg. :thumbsu:

[lethalselbow]

Zac Dawson Myth Busting.

Myth 1. How Zac got his nickname "The Cougar"

Myth: Many believe that Zac Dawson got his nickname because he was raised in the Mount Bogong National park by a family of stray Cougar's that escaped from a traveling circus.

Fact: Zac Dawson gets his nickname from sharing the same nickname as Barry "The Cougar" Dawson. We can also add that his upbringing by Cougar's in the wild is highly unlikely.

http://users.tpg.com.au/toydream/thecougar.jpg

[lethalselbow]

http://users.tpg.com.au/toydream/dawsoncamp.jpg

Dawson’s Diary: Queenstown

7:08 PM Tue 5 February, 2008 | By Zac Dawson for hawthornfc.com.au


News

Zac Dawson is in Tasmania as part of Hawthorn’s Community Camp and will complete a daily diary while in the Apple Isle.
BEFORE the camp we were all split into small groups for the first part of the trip and I’m traveling to Queenstown first with Trent Croad, Tim Boyle, Beau Muston, Tom Murphy and Jarryd Morton.
On Monday we got to Melbourne Airport and there was a big storm going through and then I realised that we were going on an airplane that was a fair bit smaller than I’m used to. I’m not a nervous flyer, but I must admit that I was getting a little bit worried when I saw the plane (a 36-seat turbo-propeller SAAB) through the window of the terminal.
Then we got delayed for about half an hour while the lightning passed and when we finally got on it was a bit cramped, but it really wasn’t too bad.
It was a pretty quick flight once we got up in the air, but that was just the first part of a longer trip. Queenstown is just over a two-hour drive away from where we landed in Burnie, so we all piled into the mini-bus and [Hawks player development manager] Jason Burt got behind the wheel.
We put on some CDs and all the boys were really chirpy, but about 45 minutes into the drive things were starting to get a bit quiet. The roads were really winding and Boyler and [Hawks multicultural manager] Michael Nguyen started feeling a bit green. It got dark and then we nearly ran over a wallaby which wasn’t real flash, so we got into town quite late.
It was straight to bed for all the lads and I know I passed out as soon as my head hit the pillow.
After a good sleep and a cooked breakfast the guys were back in high spirits which was good because we were off to Strahan – 40 minutes on another winding road! - where we went for a jet boat ride with some of the local kids.
I didn’t know what to expect, but it was really good fun. It was a bit rough at first but then we reached a sheltered part of the bay and the driver did a few tricks which really got the kids going.
This is not too hard a job when you get to go out on a jet boat and have fun with a bunch of kids.
We had some lunch with the kids and their parents and then it was back on the bus for a footy clinic back at Queenstown. I’ve done a few clinics, but I’ve never done one that looked like it was on the surface of Mars! The local footy club, the Queenstown Crows, plays on an oval made up of a sandy gravel instead of grass, but the kids didn’t seem to mind and it all went well.
I enjoy working with the kids and as long as they want to be there too, it’s always an enjoyable thing to do.
It will just be a brief stop in Queenstown – we’re back on the bus to join up with the rest of the group in Launceston on Wednesday – but we’ve certainly enjoyed the time we’ve spent here getting to know the locals.

[noosa hawk mad]

Dawson’s diary: an ore-some experience

7:15 PM Wed 6 February, 2008 | Back (http://javascript%3cb%3e%3c/b%3E:history.go(-1);)
By Zac Dawson
for hawthornfc.com.au




News


I CAN happily report that, although the drive was longer, the four-hour trip from Queenstown to Launceston this morning was much smoother than our Burnie to Queenstown leg and most of the boys were able to sleep most of the way.
We went to a fundraiser at the Queenstown footy club last night which was pretty good; there were about 80 people there and we got a nice roast meal and everyone seemed to have a good time.
It was straight to bed after that finished a bit after 9pm because the boys decided we’d like to visit one of the many mines around Queenstown early in the morning before we headed off to Launceston.
We ventured down there and got the drill on how it all works with emergency procedures and stuff like that and then they got us into our gear with head lamps and all the rest and then it was down the mine.
We went down about 550m below sea level which I thought was going to be pretty daunting but it was actually not too bad. I thought we were going to be in a little cage, but the space was probably about 5m by 5m which is big enough for the mining trucks to drive down there.
They showed us how the iron ore was pulled out of the mine on these massive trucks which carry about 50 tonnes of dirt; it was really interesting.
It’s a pretty weird feeling down there because there’s obviously no sunlight whatsoever and the only sound you hear is the trucks.
We were only down there for an hour, but when we came out it was like we’d been down there all night because there was so much sun glare and all our eyes were really blurry. It was a really good experience though.
We jumped on the bus for Launie soon after we left there and stopped in Burnie to get some lunch. All the boys had Subway, but I went to the bakery as well because I was really hungry and then we went straight to Aurora Stadium for a training session.
Because we were the furthest away, our group didn’t do anything once we got to Launceston, but all the other guys were out and about doing community activities during the day.
I think Hodgey’s group went to a local winery – just to look, not taste - and then played mini-golf with some handicapped children after that.
It was really good to see all the lads again. Being so far away from everything down in Queenstown, we had no phone reception so contact with the outside world was a bit difficult, but now we’re back with all the other boys and everyone’s pretty glad to see each other.
Once you meet up with everyone else it’s like you haven’t seen them for two weeks when it’s only been two days.
I really enjoy the type of stuff that we’ve been doing over the last couple of days, but I must admit it was great to get out on the park with the boys and have a kick of the footy again.
We’ll have a few meetings tonight and discuss the next few days with Thursday set to be a pretty big day with more community visits and a super clinic in the morning.

[noosa hawk mad]

Dawson's diary: time to test myself

7:54 PM Thu 7 February, 2008 | Back (http://javascript%3cb%3e%3c/b%3E:history.go(-1);)
By Zac Dawson
for hawthornfc.com.au




News


ANOTHER quiet night, with a development meeting after dinner my only commitment on Wednesday evening. We have these meetings regularly and basically we just go in and have a bit of a chat about ourselves and about how we’re approaching this year in terms of our own individual attitudes.
There were probably about 10 of us last night. I find the sessions really helpful in that it just gets everything out in the open and lets everyone know where each other is at.
I think these sorts of things are really beneficial in the long run because it just lets you know where you sit within the group. Everyone’s always pretty honest and upfront.
I was tucked up in bed after that by about 9.30pm and was up at 7am this morning and off to the Tasmanian Institute of Sport for a weights session with about half the group.
After that it was off to Aurora Stadium for a Super Clinic which was good. We had a pretty good turnout and the kids enjoyed themselves.
A few of the guys were picked to do an adventure tour at Hollybank park after that so the rest of us tagged along for a bit of lunch and a few photo opportunities. The tour group went up on these high-wire cables and sort of went down these massive flying foxes right up in the tree tops. I followed along for a while on the ground just to see the reactions of the lads. I had a real laugh as they spun around up in the air high above me.
It was really funny watching Buddy up there, absolutely petrified, with his knees shaking and all the boys were having a massive laugh because he was giving it to a few of the boys before, saying how he wasn’t scared and all that.
We all went back to the hotel after that and had a few more meetings and then some dinner.
I’m focused on the intra-club match tomorrow now, and I can’t wait to get out there. It’s been four months in the making and all the boys are really revved up. It’s the first chance to get out there and show how you’ve improved and what you can offer for the season coming up.
I’m actually pretty excited to be able to see just exactly where I’m at. I know a lot of guys say it, but I’ve had a really good pre-season. Compared to last year I’m feeling a lot stronger and a lot more confident in the group, knowing that I can compete with the big guys.
I’ve put on about five kilograms of muscle mass since last season and all of my weight training results have improved. I’m at the top end of the list now in a lot of those weights-based areas, so it’s time to get out there and put myself to the test.

[noosa hawk mad]

Dawson’s Diary: ‘til next time, Tassie

4:28 PM Sat 9 February, 2008 | Back (javascript:history.go(-1);)
By Zac Dawson
for hawthornfc.com.au



News


TODAY was a good day. We had our first intra-club hit-out of the year and I’m really happy with the way it went.
I felt really good today, I went out there pretty excited this morning – I think all the boys did – and it was good to finally get out there and play against someone.
You couldn’t complain about the weather, the surface or the attitude of the boys and to come out relatively unscathed as a group is great.
I pulled up really well. I’ve got a few little sore spots but that’s to be expected and is nothing to worry about.
I played deep back for most of the game against the resting ruckman - Simon Taylor and Robbie Campbell mostly - and it was really good to test myself against those bigger-bodied blokes. I thought I did pretty well and only had one goal kicked on me all day from a free kick. I didn’t lose too many contests which was good and is something I’ve been working on.
They threw me into the ruck for a quarter which was good. I was a ruckman when I was first drafted to the club and I enjoyed having a run on the ball again. I think Clarko wanted to throw me in there to get a bit of a feel for it just in case I’m ever needed to do a bit of pinch-hitting throughout the season.
It was good to have the freedom to roam around and get a few kicks and the boys seemed pretty pleased with how I went in there, so it was good.
We’ve got Sydney next weekend and Clarko has already told me, pretty much, that I’ll be playing, so I’ve got to start preparing right away just about. I’ll look at a few videos of who I’ll be playing on and hopefully continue to improve next week.
That’s pretty much it for our Tasmanian road trip. We’ll have a bit of lunch and then it’s straight on the bus out to the airport and onto the plane back to Melbourne.
I must say it’s been an enjoyable experience overall. I’d never been to Queenstown before and I experienced a few things, like jet boating and touring through a working mine, that I never had before and I got to see a beautiful part of the world.
It’s good to get down here and promote the club because they all seem to love it. It’s good to see a smile on everyone’s face once we get down here which always makes it worthwhile and makes me feel like we’re having a bit of a positive impact down here.

[Cheeseman]

http://bluebison.net/sketchbook/2007/0307/weiner-dog-birthday-cake.jpg

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COUGAR!

[lethalselbow]

Dawson shines as a ruckman in the VFL

1:02 PM Sun 16 March, 2008 - www.afl.com.au

BOX Hill’s final hit-out provided plenty of good news for the Hawks with the emergence of Zac Dawson as a ruckman the highlight.
The 22-year-old has been at the club for four years after being taken at No. 41 in the 2003 national draft.
He played 14 games (two in 2005 and 12 in 2006) mainly as a defender but spent all of 2007 in the VFL playing a variety of roles as he developed physically.
The club rated Dawson as best afield in Saturday’s VFL practice match at MC Labour Park as the Box Hill Hawks overran the Northern Bullants.
Several of Hawthorn’s AFL players were also prominent.
Jarryd Roughead showed that he was ready for AFL action next week with a solid contribution on the wing and up forward while Jordan Lewis enjoyed a typically robust day in the middle.
Both players kicked one goal but only Roughead will be available for round one against Melbourne.
Lewis will be one of four key Hawks to miss the match through suspension. The others are Shane Crawford, Luke Hodge and Campbell Brown.
Ben McGlynn was another key Hawk who got through the game unscathed.
The leading goalkickers were Beau Dowler and Digby Morrell with three each.
The club will assess youngster Mitch Thorp this week after he suffered a heavy knock during the match.

[Juddy88]

Any chance he will be up for selection any time soon?

[hawka187]

Any chance he will be delisted

[Cheeseman]

Any chance he will be delisted

As much chance as any player, what's your angle?

Any chance you could up the quality of your posting? :rolleyes:

[Juddy88]

As much chance as any player, what's your angle?

Any chance you could up the quality of your posting? :rolleyes:

So he won't get a game?

[Cynic]

So he won't get a game?

He will get several over the course of the year with Croad out.

[lethalselbow]

Zac returned from injury on the weekend to play a pivotal role in the Hawks narrow loss to the Coburg Tigers

Coburg Tigers 3.2 5.6 7.8 11.13 (79)
Box Hill Hawks 5.3 8.3 9.6 10.7 (67)

Zac kept the dangerous Tiger forward, Cleve Hughes, to only 1 goal for the game. Cleve Hughes was recruited to the Tigers in 2005 as an eventual replacement for Matthew Richardson.

The return of Zac to the Box Hill defence helped to gel together the Box Hill side and stopped the flood of goals that had been raining down upon the winless team. Box Hill had let through 25 goals and 18 goals in the previous weeks, with Zac sitting on the sidelines with a rib injury.

Zac continues to grow in size and ability and is once again knocking on the door of senior selection. With Hawthorn's obvious problems against quality forwards, with Bradshaw and Richardson doing major damage over the last two weeks, Zac waits his turn on the sidelines.

[flyby hawk]

Good post lethal - are you aware of the result of Zac's report???

[lethalselbow]

Good post lethal - are you aware of the result of Zac's report???

Thanks. Haven't managed to fine any news on it. I'm hoping it was withdrawn or just a fine.

[scout]

Not Guilty of Charging. :thumbsu: Fair result.

I was watching the Coburg player going for his kick, next thing, bang! he came to a sudden halt as he hit a brick wall, the hip and shoulder of Zac Dawson.

Solid bump, but doesn't deserve a susupension.

[thatswhatimtalkinabout]

Not Guilty of Charging. :thumbsu: Fair result.

I was watching the Coburg player going for his kick, next thing, bang! he came to a sudden halt as he hit a brick wall, the hip and shoulder of Zac Dawson.

Solid bump, but doesn't deserve a susupension.

The bolded bit is the best bit!

[flyby hawk]

Really pleased for Zac that he is not suspended.

Also I was pleased that he came in hard and (now proved to be) fair.:thumbsu:

[lethalselbow]

http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/article_images_hawks/080610_boxhill246.jpg

The Couger Continues to move Forward
Another fine performance by Zac Dawson saw him once again amongst the best players for the Box Hill Hawks. The Box Hill Hawks once again looked a lot better with the towering form of Dawson to lead the defence and keep the side within striking distance of the Bendigo Bombers for most of the day. His impressive game has seen him named as emergency for the senior side to play Adelaide, for the second time in three weeks.

Dawson had the job on Essendon's rising star, Scott Gumbleton, and kept him quiet for most of the day. However, it was in the last quarter that another string was added to bow of The Cougar. Zac was pushed forward in the last quarter, as the Box Hill Hawks looked for answers. He responded with a goal and was dis-allowed a strong mark in the goal square, which would have been a certain goal, by a moronic decision by the umpire. The move up to the forward line, for the second time for the season, proved to be quite successful as Dawson contested strongly and used his size to crash packs.

Zac is developing his skills and rapidly developing into the key position backman that Clarkson has earmarked him for. In addition to this, he has shown ability as an around the grounds ruckman and also doesn't look out of place when moved forward. Expect to see a lot more of The Cougar, for the mighty Hawks, in the years to come.

[HAWKS HEROES]

played very well at boxhill today !:thumbsu:

[zenmasterfu]

I can't wait for him to return! He'll be bigger news than Buddy and when he keeps Moony or J. Brown, etc. quiet ... pooiifeect!

[lethalselbow]

http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/clubs/hawks/Zac_Dawson_290x250.jpg

Zac Dawson Getting Hard and Hungry.
In Box Hill's latest win, Zac Dawson played a pivotal part yet again, leading the backline and keeping Frankston to just 2 goals for the match after quarter time. Zac led the way with hard and desperate football as he again displays his credentials and remains knocking on the door for senior selection.

http://hawthornfc.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/4742/Default.aspx?newsId=62004

"The backline of: Zac Dawson, David Marcius, Brad Neil, Lukas Markovic and Whitecross held up extremely well all game, with the Hawks conceding only two goals after quarter time and just four behinds after the main change.

Dawson, playing his 50th game stood up for the Hawks with a desperate performance. On a number of occasions he lunged his body at vital 50-50’s and kept his man (Aaron Murray) to just one goal - a goal gifted to him in the first term from a stray handball through no fault on his part."

"Zac Dawson – 11 touches, two marks: In his 50th game for the club, Dawson acquitted himself well at full-back and set the example, putting his head over the ball numerous times when Box Hill were behind. Kept his man (Aaron Murray – 102kg) to just one goal, Frankston’s first goal after a stray handball from one of Dawson’s own teammates."

Go Cougar! :thumbsu::thumbsu:

[hawkstars]

Man I want him to make it sooo bad. At the end of the day if he doesn't he has himself to blame. All I can say is you get one chance in life buddy so take it by the neck and throw it around like a rag doll. If that's not good enough kick back and say atleast I gave it a red hot go!:thumbsu:

[mess]

It's time.

[lethalselbow]

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Walking and chewing gum at the same time.
Another solid performance by Dawson as he again showed that there is more than meets the eye to Hawthorn's answer to Diane Fossey. Zac not only spent time in defence, but had stints in the ruck and also moved down forward to slot through a goal. Moving forward, when the Box Hill Hawks have been in trouble, has been a feature of the big man's game this season and with the way Box Hill Hawks are traveling you can expect that it will continue to be a regular occurrence.

http://hawthornfc.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/4742/Default.aspx?newsId=62810
Zac Dawson – nine touches, four marks, one goal: Played on ruckman Tristan Cartledge and Angus Graham when they rotated forward. Both kicked one goal a piece but Dawson was named in the best. He did some good work in the ruck and was probably the most effective of the three (Dowler and Walsh) in the hit outs. Went forward and kicked one goal, good all round game.

Big thanks to nlv11, on youtube, for this great Zac Dawson highlites clip.

[lethalselbow]

Box Hill Hawks: 6.4 / 7.6 / 10.12 / 13.14 (92)
Northern Bullants: 1.1 / 5.10 / 6.10 / 7.14 (56)

The Full Monty
Once again Zac showed his full bag of tricks as he helped the Box Hill Hawks tear apart the Nothern Bullants on a cold, windy winter's day. Zac played all the key roles for the Hawks as he will again be putting pressure for selection for the senior side. He played in a key role in defence, had bursts forward and also had a long stints in the ruck. In the final quarter, with the Hawks in front but kicking into a massive breeze, the coach turned to Dawson to start in teh ruck and lead the charge to victory.

Zac's last quarter displayed his full wares and why he will be a force for the Hawks in years to come. He took towering marks in a tricky breeze. Won tap outs to advantage. Tackled hard, spoiled, kicked goals and led the team to an important victory. Easily one of the best on the field.

Commentators, supporters and all who saw it would be in no doubt that Dawson has come of age.

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

I really hope so. We have too many unknowns on our list and now need to start seeing some development to AFL level. Would love it if Dawson, Thorp, Stokes, Whitecross and Dolwer could all get some game time and battle it out for a position in the side come finals.

[lethalselbow]

Zac Attack

With the Box Hill Hawks finding some form and winning back to back games, and 4 out of the last 7, Dawson was again outstanding with a dominating performance up forward for the Hawks. Starting down back and then moving up forward for the second half, Zac bagged 3 goals and dominated the air with 11 marks.

http://hawthornfc.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/4742/Default.aspx?newsId=64789
Zac Dawson switched forward with Digby Morrell going the other way, a move Mitchell said worked quite well. “That was a pretty good move, he’s (Dawson) shown what he can do up forward this year and Diggers was solid down back.”
Dawson ended up with three goals to his name and kicked the crucial opening goal of the last term to snuff out any comeback the Scorpions had in mind.

Zac Dawson – 18 touches, 11 marks, 3 goal. Played a vital role, was used as a defender for the first half acquitting himself well before moving forward to snag three goals and the all important first of the final term. Looked dangerous deep in the forward line.

[ahhhhhh]

Just a quiet 8 today

[lethalselbow]

Just a quiet 8 today

Woot!!

Nice one. Thanks ahhhhhh :thumbsu: I'll be defintely enjoying writing up this preformance. :D

[lethalselbow]

Eight is Enough
With Zac Dawson's outstanding form at Box Hill continued with a huge haul of eight goals on the weekend. Playing all day in the forward line, the towering Dawson looked right at home against his opponents as he once again proved that he can not only cut it in the backline and ruck, but also as a key forward. This forward form is on top of 3 goals the previous week, though he only spent half a game up forward on that occasion.

http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/tabid/4742/Default.aspx?newsid=65239
http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/article_images_hawks/080610_boxhill246c.jpg
Zac Dawson kicks 8 goals in the Hawks victory
James Ranson 8:30 AM Mon 11 August, 2008
Round 17, Saturday 9 August
Queen Elizabeth Oval

An eight-goal haul from defender-cum-forward Zac Dawson has helped the Box Hill Hawks to their biggest win of the year, a 119-point trouncing of the Bendigo Bombers.

Dawson starred up forward for the Hawks as they strolled to a very comfortable 21.13.139 to 2.8.20 victory with the Bombers providing no opposition.

Dawson called into question his role as a cameo forward destroying the Bendigo defence as if he’d been doing it all his life.

The win was the Hawks third on the trot and their fifth in eight games in what has been a purple patch for the side.

The result never looked in doubt even in the first term when the Hawks struggled to break free of their opponents.

In the second quarter Box Hill put the issue to rest with a ten-goal-to-one term and then managed to limit the hapless Bombers to 1.6 after quarter time.

Apart from Dawson, there were many solid contributors with the likes of Tim Clarke, Ryan Breese and Brent Renouf working tirelessly through the midfield.

Beau Dowler fired home three goals and was outstanding yet again while Matt Suckling used the ball well in the middle.

The Hawks face Werribee, Williamstown and Tasmania in their three remaining games and with their current form you wouldn’t put any of those games past them.

Box Hill Hawks: 2.5 / 12.6 / 15.9 / 21.13 (139)
Bendigo Bombers: 1.2 / 2.6 / 2.7 / 2.8 (20)

Goals: Dawson 8, Dowler 3, Renouf 2, Smithwick 2, Clarke, Kenna, Batsanis, Thorp, Pedersen, Grima

Best: Breese, Clarke, Dawson, Renouf, Dowler, Suckling