TAR - Hawthorn Hawks 2008

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Finals, Week 3, 2008

Friday, September 19

1st Preliminary Final
Geelong 13.12 (90) d by Western Bulldogs 16.9 (105)

Saturday, September 20

2nd Preliminary Final
Richmond 14.16 (100) d by Collingwood 19.14 (128)

GRAND FINAL - Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

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Brownlow Medal 2008 - Matthew Richardson

Richmond spearhead Matthew Richardson has celebrated Mad Monday with an individual honour, aged 33, in which no forward has completed since 1987, when Tony Lockett tied with John Platten. After the Tigers bowed out a week before the Grand Final, Richo sucked in the atmosphere quite upset, but his emotions went missing as he polled votes.

It was a close finish, with Richardson finishing one vote ahead of Coleman Medallist Lance Franklin and Collingwood ball magnet Dane Swan, who loves to sneak up on the vote getters. Geelong duo Gary Ablett and reigning winner Jimmy Bartel finished one vote behind them.

Richardson, a one-time best and fairest, but champion with 280 games and 835 career goals said retirement wasn't at thought but may be a possibility. He kicked 92 goals from 24 games and averaged 12 kicks and 9 marks for the season.

Final Leaderboard
19 - Matthew Richardson (Richmond)
18 - Lance Franklin (Hawthorn)
18 - Dane Swan (Collingwood)
17 - Gary Ablett jnr (Geelong)
17 - Jimmy Bartel (Geelong)
15 - Chad Fletcher (West Coast)
14 - Scott Lucas (Essendon)
14 - Kane Cornes (Port Adelaide)
13 - Travis Cloke (Collingwood)
13 - Jason Johnson (Essendon)
13 - Scott West (Bulldogs)
13 - Shane O'Bree (Collingwood)
13 - Tyson Edwards (Adelaide)
13 - Scott Welsh (Bulldogs)
13 - Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
12 - Josh Carr (Fremantle)
12 - Peter Bell (Fremantle)
12 - Shane Crawford (Hawthorn)
12 - Travis Johnstone (Brisbane Lions)
11 - Nathan Thompson (North Melbourne)
11 - Cameron Bruce (Hawthorn)



It may have taken 280 games and 33 years, but Richo wins the ultimate medallion

[W-Zebrass]

Great stroy, i applaud you because you completed a season in only a few days

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Grand Final Teams
Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood (MCG)

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Ryan Griffen - Brian Lake - Cameron Wight
HB: Dale Morris - Ryan Hargrave - Mitch Hahn
C: Daniel Giansiracusa - Jason Akermanis - Nathan Eagleton
HF: Robert Murphy - Andrew McDougall - Brad Johnson (c)
F: Jarrad Grant - Scott Welsh - Shaun Higgins
Foll: Ben Hudson - Daniel Cross - Scott West
I/C: Farren Ray - Matthew Boyd - Will Minson - Tom Williams

IN: Tom Williams
OUT: Josh Hill (ankle)

COLLINGWOOD
B: Tyson Goldsack - Shane Wakelin - Nick Maxwell
HB: Ryan Lonie - Simon Prestigiacomo - Heath Shaw
C: Alan Didak - Brodie Holland - Tarkyn Lockyer
HF: Paul Medhurst - Travis Cloke - Dale Thomas
F: Sean Rusling - Anthony Rocca - Leon Davis
Foll: Josh Fraser - Scott Burns (c) - Scott Pendlebury
I/C: Chris Egan - Chris Bryan - Alan Toovey - Harry O'Brien

IN: Alan Toovey, Harry O'Brien, Nick Maxwell
OUT: Dane Swan (ankle), Rhyce Shaw (shoulder), Ben Johnson (suspended)

Odds: Western Bulldogs $1.75, Collingwood $1.95
source: TAB Sportsbet

Who's Missing:
Dogs: Adam Cooney (knee), Andrejs Everitt (groin), Lindsay Gilbee (knee), Josh Hill (ankle)
Pies: Ben Johnson (suspended), Shane O'Bree (knee), Rhyce Shaw (shoulder), Dane Swan (ankle), Cameron Wood (ankle)

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Grand Final, 2008, M.C.G.

Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood

The Collingwood Football Club has recorded it's 15th VFL/AFL premiership today, thrashing the Western Bulldogs in the first All-Victorian Grand Final since the year 2000. Collingwood skipper Scott Burns, in his final AFL game, lead with greatness, winning the Norm Smith Medal in the 23.12 (150) to 12.6 (78) thrashing.

Collingwood amassed eight first-quarter goals to lead by 37-points at quarter time, and extended the lead to 45-points at the main break in what looked like the Pies win, but the Pies celebrated in the premiership quarter, kicking nine goals to four, to lead by 77-points at three-quarter time. In the end, a 72-point victory, and the first premiership to the Black and White since 1990, while the Dogs failed, attempting at a second flag.

Burns had 26 disposals, 7 clearances, 9 tackles and kicked one goal to be rewarded best on ground, while Scott Pendlebury was just as good, with 25 touches, 5 tackles and booted four goals. Paul Medhurst also chipped in with four majors while Sean Rusling, Travis Cloke, Anthony Rocca and Leon Davis kicked three goals.

Josh Fraser limped off the ground in the dying minutes, to hear by doctors a broken leg was the diagnosis, but Fraser refused to go to hospital while in pain, and with crutches celebrated the win with his team-mates, and collected his medallion. Leon Davis was also limited in celebrations with a torn hamstring.

The Bulldogs tried, but couldn't put it on the scoreboard. Three-time premiership superstar Jason Akermanis kicked his way to 29 touches, while Scott West toiled, but three goals between Scott Welsh and Andrew McDougall was far from enough.





Skipper Scott Burns, in his final game, was magnificent, winning the Norm Smith Medal

Ladder - After Finals

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Peter Crimmins Medal 2008
Hawthorn Best and Fairest

Lance Franklin, with no surprises has taken out the Hawthorn best and fairest for 2008. Buddy kicked 95 goals, playing all 23 games, winning All-Australian selection, the Coleman Medal and finishing equal second in the Brownlow Medal, it was an expected outcome. Aged 21, Franklin has never finished inside the top 3, coming equal sixth in 2007.

Sam Mitchell was runner-up, while Brad Sewell continues to impress the staff, with his third consecutive top three finish, after winning last season. Robert Campbell, who earned All-Australian selection, was fourth, while Travis Tuck and Stephen Gilham rounded out the top six.

Votes were given to the best five players in a 5-4-3-2-1 format, while a vote was awarded for each game played. Finals counted as double.

Top Ten - Hawthorn
71 - Lance Franklin
65 - Sam Mitchell
61 - Brad Sewell
58 - Robert Campbell
55 - Travis Tuck
53 - Stephen Gilham
48 - Grant Birchall
40 - Jarryd Roughead
39 - Luke Hodge
38 - Mark Williams



Lance Franklin took over Brad Sewell (3rd) as the Peter Crimmins Medallist

Other Best and Fairest Winners
Adelaide - S Thompson, K McGregor, S Goodwin
Brisbane Lions - S Black, D Bradshaw, L Power
Carlton - M Murphy, C Judd, B Fisher
Collingwood - T Cloke, H Shaw, A Rocca
Essendon - S Lucas, J Johnson, D Hille
Fremantle - J Carr, C Tarrant, P Hasleby
Geelong - G Ablett jnr, J Bartel, C Mooney
North Melbourne - B Harvey, B Rawlings, D Petrie
Melbourne - C Bruce, P Wheatley, D Neitz
Port Adelaide - K Cornes, B Lade, P Burgoyne
Richmond - M Richardson, K Johnson, M Coughlan
St Kilda - L Hayes, N Riewoldt, N Dal Santo
Sydney - T Kennelly, C Bolton, B Hall
West Coast - C Fletcher, D Glass, B Waters
W Bulldogs - S Welsh, A McDougall, S West

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Hawthorn - Players 2008



All-Australians: Robert Campbell (interchange), Lance Franklin (full-forward), Stephen Gilham (back-pocket)Sam Mitchell (VC, rover)

Coleman Medal: Lance Franklin (93)

Brownlow Medal: Lance Franklin (2nd, 18 votes)

Best and Fairest: Lance Franklin (1st), Sam Mitchell (2nd), Brad Sewell (3rd)

Finish Position: 7th

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2008 Retirees

Tyson Edwards (Adelaide, 285)
Scott Burns (Collingwood, 273)
Tarkyn Lockyer (Collingwood, 183)
Shane Wakelin (Collingwood, 253)
Mal Michael (Essendon, 240)
Nathan Thompson (North Melbourne, 175)
Adem Yze (Melbourne, 287)
Michael Wilson (Port Adelaide, 209)
Kane Johnson (Richmond, 226)
Greg Tivendale (Richmond, 197)
Robert Harvey (St Kilda, 374)
Fraser Gehrig (St Kilda, 273)
Peter Everitt (Sydney, 299)
Leo Barry (Sydney, 224)
Michael O'Loughlin (Sydney, 294)
Michael Braun (West Coast, 234)
Ben Hudson (W Bulldogs, 81)
Scott West (W Bulldogs, 346)



Robert Harvey, Scott West and Peter Everitt all hung up the boots, combining 1019 games between them.

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Paper-work, Hawthorn Signings

Best and fairest winner and Coleman medallist Lance Franklin has signed a four-year contract with the Hawks, believed to be around $1.2 million over the duration. Shane Crawford has also signed a two year contract, despite his age, at around $600,000. Brad Sewell also signed for three years.

The other big news however was the skipper, signing for four years at over $2.1 million, a better deal than Lance Franklin. Out of contract players Chance Bateman, Robert Campbell, Trent Croad, Jordan Lewis and Jarryd Roughead also are all believed to have, or soon to be, signed up.

Hawthorn announced the delistings of Rick Ladson, Thomas Murphy and Jarryd Morton, believed that opportunities will be better elsewhere. Ladson, who impressed late in the season, but only managed 11 games, was told that he was no longer required.



Lance Franklin, Sam Mitchell and Shane Crawford all made big signings with the Hawks this week.

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Paper-work, Hawthorn Signings

Trade week has seen Hawthorn and Collingwood make a large transaction, with Pies duo Dale Thomas and Harry O'Brien both unhappy with contract offers, and asking to be traded. Hawthorn took advantage, gaining both star young players, trading Zac Dawson, Mark Williams, and picks 26 and 42 to acquire the stars in a deal Collingwood deemed relevant.

The Kangaroos had interest in Brent Guerra, and traded their 2nd round pick, no.17 overall in exchange for Guerra and a 4th round pick, no.58 overall.

Hawthorn will have picks 10 and 17 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.



Collingwood young stars Dale Thomas and Harry O'Brien made there way to Waverley Park.

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Paper-work, Hawthorn Signings

The NAB AFL Draft saw Hawthorn go in with two picks. No.10 overall, their initial first-round pick, and No.17, the pick received in a deal with Brent Guerra.

With not great talent in the draft pool, the Hawks believe they did well. They chose key forward Xavier Scolyer, who has very good skills and endurance, which may be handy with Lance Franklin inside 50, and is 194cm with a bit of muscle. Their second round pick saw them snap up potential top-10 pick, midfielder Andrew McCanslish, who slipped to the back of the pack. Super quick, and very good at stoppages, the Hawks were extremely suprised he was still around. Both players are from Peel Thunder in the Colts.

In the Pre-Season draft, Hawthorn managed to sign up brilliant, silky smooth midfielder, Shaun Burgoyne, after negotiations fell over at Port Adelaide. Burgoyne played 14 games in 2008 for an average of 20 disposals, and at 25 years old, he still has plenty left in the tank. He has accumulated 143 games and kicked 153 goals in his stint at the Power. Danny Meyer, an ex-Richmond forward, was also picked up. Has the potential to be great, but struggled to develop over time, he was a 1st round draft pick in 2004. He played 19 games for 23 goals in 2008, to take his career tally to 36 games and 30 goals for the Tigers.

Thomas Murphy was also redrafted, after being delisted by the Hawks two months back.



Shaun Burgoyne and Danny Meyer join the Hawks

[Shane_Mag]

great pickup in Shaun Burgoyne

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Season 2009 Launch

Captain: Sam Mitchell
Vice Captain: Luke Hodge

The Hawks enter season 2009 as one of the favourites for the flag, sitting behind reigning premiers Collingwood, and Geelong, as three Victorians are expected to fight it out. Hawthorn finished seventh last season, but a superior pre-season from all reports says they are going to make a major step forward.

Lance Franklin, the reigning Coleman Medallist, is one year older and stronger, and has a best and fairest and All-Australian honour to his name. Robert Campbell has made a major step in his career, and will continue to improve after a strong pre-season, while Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell, along with Brad Sewell are ready.

Not only are those names strong, as is Shane Crawford, the 1999 Brownlow Medallist, but Collingwood super-duo Dale Thomas and Harry O'Brien, both premiership players, have made their way to Waverley, while Shaun Burgoyne adds even more to the midfield. Crawford, expected to play half-forward, will step out of the midfield.

The Hawks should make a major push to make the top four, and go on from there. The list is superb, possibly the best in the league with recent additions.

Arrivals:
Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide, via NAB Pre-Season Draft)
Andrew McCanslish (NAB AFL Draft)
Danny Meyer (Richmond, via NAB Pre-Season Draft)
Thomas Murphy (re-drafted, via NAB Pre-Season Draft)
Harry O'Brien (Collingwood, via trade)
Xavier Scolyer (NAB AFL Draft)
Cameron Stokes (rookie elevation)
Dale Thomas (Collingwood, via trade)

Departures:
Zac Dawson (traded to - Collingwood)
Brent Guerra (traded to - North Melbourne)
Danny Jacobs (retired)
Rick Ladson (delisted)
Jarryd Morton (delisted)
Mark Williams (traded to - Collingwood)

[Gyroscope_182]

I made a mistake of having one, not four, seasons on my fixture file. Shattered. You could still play the game with the error, but against the same side every week, haha.

I ended up smashing the Roos by 40 points, Sam Mitchell had 44 disposals and Buddy kicked 7, doesn't count, haha

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Team Selection: Round 1, 2009
Hawthorn vs Melbourne (MCG)

HAWTHORN:
B: Harry O'Brien - Trent Croad - Campbell Brown
HB: Grant Birchall - Stephen Gilham - Xavier Ellis
C: Shaun Burgoyne - Sam Mitchell (c) - Jordan Lewis
HF: Shane Crawford - Jarryd Roughead - Dale Thomas
F: Cyril Rioli - Lance Franklin - Mitch Thorp
Foll: Robert Campbell - Luke Hodge - Travis Tuck
I/C: Clinton Young - Chance Bateman - Danny Meyer - Ben McGlynn

Missing: Brad Sewell (suspension)

Odds: Hawthorn $1.40 Melbourne $2.60
source: TAB Sportsbet