GOALden Hawk
2 Apr 2003, 09:47
www.hawkheadquarters.com
For some Hawthorn fans the VFL is nothing more than a glorified training run for our youngsters to get some experience, while for others the fortunes of Box Hill are just as important as that of the Hawks.
Few could argue though the importance of a strong state competition. There has been change aplenty over summer in the VFL, with Port changing partners from the Swans to the Roos, and Carlton and Essendon joining the Bullants and Bendigo respectively.
This leaves just Geelong fielding its own reserves team, and three stand-alone clubs, Frankston, North Ballarat and Tasmania. There are 13 teams yet still a final eight, a ridiculous system but one that will at least keep interest for all teams high.
Bendigo Bombers
Home Ground: QEO Oval, Bendigo and Windy Hill (2 games)
AFL Feeder Club: Essendon
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Bendigo Pioneers
2002 Finish 16th (Bendigo), 10th (Essendon)
The only way is up for Bendigo who haven’t won a game in two years! The merger with Essendon is a good start. It will take time to see whether the alignment works, but there should be some fair players running around QEO Oval.
Unfortunately the non-AFL talent is pretty thin, with Nick Carter and Bendigo youngster Aaron Connaughton the best bets. Will improve, but unlikely to challenge.
Box Hill Hawks
Home Ground: City Oval
AFL Feeder Club: Hawthorn
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Eastern Ranges
2002 Finish 7th
Big losses with the departures of Firrito, Alleway, Banks, Passador and inspirational skipper Matty Brewer leaves the side looking rather light on for talls and leadership. Obviously a lot depends on the length of Hawthorn’s injury list. However, there is still plenty of talent in former premiership player Stuart Anderson, new captain Andrew Pugsley and former Hawks Matty Ball and Georgiadis to look out for.
Youngsters such as Dinnell, Kenna and Bayford will excite, but with a coach still learning the ropes and a young side, it might be a tough year for the Mustangs.
Coburg Tigers
Home Ground: Proton Oval
AFL Feeder Club: Richmond
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Calder Cannons
2002 Finish 4th
Once again look to have a strong squad and will be a definite contender. Apart from the Richmond players there are also good VFL players in Steinfort, Talbot and De Pasquale. The new recruits look promising too, Nick Butler, Adam Cosham, Nick Gieschen, Corey Brown and Jay Cheep were all great players in the TAC last year.
Strong Hawk connection with Djaren Whyman, Billy Nicholls and Steven Rode, will be a real challenger.
Frankston Dolphins
Home Ground: Frankston Oval
AFL Feeder Club: None
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Dandenong Stingrays
2002 Finish 15th
Were an absolute rabble last year, before firing Robert Mace and improving slightly. The only city team with no alignment, the list looks terribly weak. The only gun Sautner has headed to the Bullants, and new recruits Shipp (Fremantle) and Stewart Kemperman and Ryan Brown from the under 18’s won’t be able to do it all.
No AFL alignment, no Sautner, no hope – can’t see them finishing anywhere but bottom.
Geelong Cats
Home Ground: Kardinia Park
AFL Feeder Club: Geelong
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Geelong Falcons
2002 Finish 1st
Reigning premiers thanks to the Cats having a great run with injuries and a lot of eligible players due to the youngsters been rotated. Very dependent on the senior side having a good run again, although Bluey McGrath has stayed on as captain. Hard to predict, but should be a force again.
North Ballarat Roosters
Home Ground: North Ballarat Oval
AFL Feeder Club: None
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: North Ballarat Rebels
2002 Finish 14th
Gone alone once again, and it will be a struggle. The non-AFL aligned clubs filled the bottom five spots on the ladder last year, I doubt that will change in 2003. Some good Under 18 players in Rudd, Miller, Ewart and McCorkell is a promising start though.
There are some reasonable players on the list, ruckman Mark Bradly and former AFL players Foott, Nathan Saunders and Steven Jurica. Will struggle though.
Northern Bullants
Home Ground: Cramer Street
AFL Feeder Club: Carlton
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Northern Knights
2002 Finish 13th (Northern), 9th (Carlton)
Proud club, good to see them thrown a lifeline by the Blues (or maybe it’s the other way around?) Should improve markedly this year. Carlton’s list is weak but AFL talent will still shine through.
But in the coup of the summer full-forward Nick Sautner has crossed from Frankston. There is plenty of ex-AFL talent in Shane Watson, Frankie Raso, Matthew Collins, Nick Lowther and Shannon Gibson, whilst youngsters Abe Williams and Peter Summers will be great value. Former Box Hill player Scotty Krakouer is also trying his luck at Cramer St. The Bullants could be the real surprise of 2003.
Port Melbourne
Home Ground: TEAC Oval
AFL Feeder Club: Kangaroos
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Oakleigh Chargers
2002 Finish 2nd (Port Melbourne), 5th (Murray Kangaroos)
Unlucky last year to miss the flag, the re-alignment from the Swans to the Roos make the side look even stronger. A mixture of Murray, Oakeigh under 18’s and young Kangaroos is a potent mix. Not only is there the likes of Alleway and Firrito, but also the likes of Obst, Aloi, McMahon and Robert Cheevers from Sandringham under 18’s. Should go all the way this year.
Sandringham Zebras
Home Ground: Trevor Barker Oval
AFL Feeder Club: Melbourne
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Sandringham Dragons
2002 Finish 6th
Knocked Box Hill out of the finals in a thrilling match last year, and should be in the mix again. Plenty of Melbourne players to help the likes of Ainley, Robbins, Jacotine and Liddell.
Springvale Scorpions
Home Ground: Shepley Oval
AFL Feeder Club: St Kilda
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: None
2002 Finish 11th
Worst of the AFL-aligned clubs last year, and I’ll predict more of the same. No TAC feeder club and rumours of the Saints defecting to Frankston are worrying signs for a club badly lacking depth.
Yes, the St Kilda youngsters will mean a competitive side when they are up and running, but apart from veteran Jason Caples the side looks very poor indeed.
Tasmania Devils
Home Ground: York Park, North Hobart Oval
AFL Feeder Club: None
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Tassie Mariners
2002 Finish 12th
Has been threatening since they entered the comp, but even without an AFL club needs to make finals this year. Has a good home ground advantage, and some reasonable players in Trent Bartlett, Jason Heatley, Ben Beams, Jason Cripps and Jordan Doering. If he can stay fit Cripps should dominate at this level.
Mariners youngsters Robison, Savage and Viney will be handy when they play, but really Tasmania should make the eight.
Werribee Tigers
Home Ground: Chirnside Park
AFL Feeder Club: Western Bulldogs
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: None
2002 Finish 3rd
Should once again be a strong outfit, when plenty of young Bulldog talent to choose from. Also seem to have a very settled line-up with the likes of Setchell, Smith, Churchill and Podsiadly. I’m interested to see Daniel Cullinan on the list – 191cm and 95kg from Marcellin. He was 2 years below me and kicked 6 goals on debut for the 1sts while still in Year 10, could be a tough match-up.
Williamstown Seagulls
Home Ground: Point Gellibrand
AFL Feeder Club: Collingwood
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Western Jets
2002 Finish 8th
With the Jets now aligned Willi should be an even better side. Having the Grand Finalist list to help out certainly is a good start. The hellhole known as Point Gellibrand is worth 4 wins alone, and the likes of Marcus Baldwin, Adrian Fletcher, Sam Cranage and Brad Lloyd will support the Magpie youngsters. Definitely one of the better teams.
Predictions
The high list turnover, lack of experienced players and dependence of injuries to AFL squads means results and predictions are hard to make, but I’m willing to make a clown of myself with a possible ladder for 2003.
Port Melbourne
Coburg Tigers
Northern Bullants
Williamstown
Sandringham
Werribee
Box Hill Hawks
Geelong
Tasmania
Bendigo Bombers
Springvale
North Ballarat
Frankston
For some Hawthorn fans the VFL is nothing more than a glorified training run for our youngsters to get some experience, while for others the fortunes of Box Hill are just as important as that of the Hawks.
Few could argue though the importance of a strong state competition. There has been change aplenty over summer in the VFL, with Port changing partners from the Swans to the Roos, and Carlton and Essendon joining the Bullants and Bendigo respectively.
This leaves just Geelong fielding its own reserves team, and three stand-alone clubs, Frankston, North Ballarat and Tasmania. There are 13 teams yet still a final eight, a ridiculous system but one that will at least keep interest for all teams high.
Bendigo Bombers
Home Ground: QEO Oval, Bendigo and Windy Hill (2 games)
AFL Feeder Club: Essendon
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Bendigo Pioneers
2002 Finish 16th (Bendigo), 10th (Essendon)
The only way is up for Bendigo who haven’t won a game in two years! The merger with Essendon is a good start. It will take time to see whether the alignment works, but there should be some fair players running around QEO Oval.
Unfortunately the non-AFL talent is pretty thin, with Nick Carter and Bendigo youngster Aaron Connaughton the best bets. Will improve, but unlikely to challenge.
Box Hill Hawks
Home Ground: City Oval
AFL Feeder Club: Hawthorn
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Eastern Ranges
2002 Finish 7th
Big losses with the departures of Firrito, Alleway, Banks, Passador and inspirational skipper Matty Brewer leaves the side looking rather light on for talls and leadership. Obviously a lot depends on the length of Hawthorn’s injury list. However, there is still plenty of talent in former premiership player Stuart Anderson, new captain Andrew Pugsley and former Hawks Matty Ball and Georgiadis to look out for.
Youngsters such as Dinnell, Kenna and Bayford will excite, but with a coach still learning the ropes and a young side, it might be a tough year for the Mustangs.
Coburg Tigers
Home Ground: Proton Oval
AFL Feeder Club: Richmond
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Calder Cannons
2002 Finish 4th
Once again look to have a strong squad and will be a definite contender. Apart from the Richmond players there are also good VFL players in Steinfort, Talbot and De Pasquale. The new recruits look promising too, Nick Butler, Adam Cosham, Nick Gieschen, Corey Brown and Jay Cheep were all great players in the TAC last year.
Strong Hawk connection with Djaren Whyman, Billy Nicholls and Steven Rode, will be a real challenger.
Frankston Dolphins
Home Ground: Frankston Oval
AFL Feeder Club: None
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Dandenong Stingrays
2002 Finish 15th
Were an absolute rabble last year, before firing Robert Mace and improving slightly. The only city team with no alignment, the list looks terribly weak. The only gun Sautner has headed to the Bullants, and new recruits Shipp (Fremantle) and Stewart Kemperman and Ryan Brown from the under 18’s won’t be able to do it all.
No AFL alignment, no Sautner, no hope – can’t see them finishing anywhere but bottom.
Geelong Cats
Home Ground: Kardinia Park
AFL Feeder Club: Geelong
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Geelong Falcons
2002 Finish 1st
Reigning premiers thanks to the Cats having a great run with injuries and a lot of eligible players due to the youngsters been rotated. Very dependent on the senior side having a good run again, although Bluey McGrath has stayed on as captain. Hard to predict, but should be a force again.
North Ballarat Roosters
Home Ground: North Ballarat Oval
AFL Feeder Club: None
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: North Ballarat Rebels
2002 Finish 14th
Gone alone once again, and it will be a struggle. The non-AFL aligned clubs filled the bottom five spots on the ladder last year, I doubt that will change in 2003. Some good Under 18 players in Rudd, Miller, Ewart and McCorkell is a promising start though.
There are some reasonable players on the list, ruckman Mark Bradly and former AFL players Foott, Nathan Saunders and Steven Jurica. Will struggle though.
Northern Bullants
Home Ground: Cramer Street
AFL Feeder Club: Carlton
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Northern Knights
2002 Finish 13th (Northern), 9th (Carlton)
Proud club, good to see them thrown a lifeline by the Blues (or maybe it’s the other way around?) Should improve markedly this year. Carlton’s list is weak but AFL talent will still shine through.
But in the coup of the summer full-forward Nick Sautner has crossed from Frankston. There is plenty of ex-AFL talent in Shane Watson, Frankie Raso, Matthew Collins, Nick Lowther and Shannon Gibson, whilst youngsters Abe Williams and Peter Summers will be great value. Former Box Hill player Scotty Krakouer is also trying his luck at Cramer St. The Bullants could be the real surprise of 2003.
Port Melbourne
Home Ground: TEAC Oval
AFL Feeder Club: Kangaroos
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Oakleigh Chargers
2002 Finish 2nd (Port Melbourne), 5th (Murray Kangaroos)
Unlucky last year to miss the flag, the re-alignment from the Swans to the Roos make the side look even stronger. A mixture of Murray, Oakeigh under 18’s and young Kangaroos is a potent mix. Not only is there the likes of Alleway and Firrito, but also the likes of Obst, Aloi, McMahon and Robert Cheevers from Sandringham under 18’s. Should go all the way this year.
Sandringham Zebras
Home Ground: Trevor Barker Oval
AFL Feeder Club: Melbourne
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Sandringham Dragons
2002 Finish 6th
Knocked Box Hill out of the finals in a thrilling match last year, and should be in the mix again. Plenty of Melbourne players to help the likes of Ainley, Robbins, Jacotine and Liddell.
Springvale Scorpions
Home Ground: Shepley Oval
AFL Feeder Club: St Kilda
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: None
2002 Finish 11th
Worst of the AFL-aligned clubs last year, and I’ll predict more of the same. No TAC feeder club and rumours of the Saints defecting to Frankston are worrying signs for a club badly lacking depth.
Yes, the St Kilda youngsters will mean a competitive side when they are up and running, but apart from veteran Jason Caples the side looks very poor indeed.
Tasmania Devils
Home Ground: York Park, North Hobart Oval
AFL Feeder Club: None
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Tassie Mariners
2002 Finish 12th
Has been threatening since they entered the comp, but even without an AFL club needs to make finals this year. Has a good home ground advantage, and some reasonable players in Trent Bartlett, Jason Heatley, Ben Beams, Jason Cripps and Jordan Doering. If he can stay fit Cripps should dominate at this level.
Mariners youngsters Robison, Savage and Viney will be handy when they play, but really Tasmania should make the eight.
Werribee Tigers
Home Ground: Chirnside Park
AFL Feeder Club: Western Bulldogs
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: None
2002 Finish 3rd
Should once again be a strong outfit, when plenty of young Bulldog talent to choose from. Also seem to have a very settled line-up with the likes of Setchell, Smith, Churchill and Podsiadly. I’m interested to see Daniel Cullinan on the list – 191cm and 95kg from Marcellin. He was 2 years below me and kicked 6 goals on debut for the 1sts while still in Year 10, could be a tough match-up.
Williamstown Seagulls
Home Ground: Point Gellibrand
AFL Feeder Club: Collingwood
TAC Under 18 Feeder Club: Western Jets
2002 Finish 8th
With the Jets now aligned Willi should be an even better side. Having the Grand Finalist list to help out certainly is a good start. The hellhole known as Point Gellibrand is worth 4 wins alone, and the likes of Marcus Baldwin, Adrian Fletcher, Sam Cranage and Brad Lloyd will support the Magpie youngsters. Definitely one of the better teams.
Predictions
The high list turnover, lack of experienced players and dependence of injuries to AFL squads means results and predictions are hard to make, but I’m willing to make a clown of myself with a possible ladder for 2003.
Port Melbourne
Coburg Tigers
Northern Bullants
Williamstown
Sandringham
Werribee
Box Hill Hawks
Geelong
Tasmania
Bendigo Bombers
Springvale
North Ballarat
Frankston