Welcome Welcome to Hawthorn: Ollie Greeves

[Simon Crawshay]

Tom Rockliff is the best comparison. Was a gun junior for VIC country and won the goal kicking for the bushrangers at TAC Cup. Expected to go first or second round and then went undrafted on the back of concerns around pace and endurance. Had a good career too with 2 bnfs.

I keep going back to that Preliminary final.

We didn't lose that match because we weren't fast enough or fit enough.

We lost because we got absolutely destroyed around the ball by a 40 year old Dangerflog and Co.

Worps was the only midfielder who could actually win a clearance and then he was butchering it when he got it.

So to me the possibility of a 6 foot 4 Midfielder built like a brick s..thouse who has very good disposal sounds appealing.

As much as footy is changing to a high tempo running style of game in finals if you are getting beat up in the packs you are down that famous creek without a paddle.

 

[phlogiston]

Future captain

And KID!!!

 

[Ka Norkers]

Here’s an extract from the recent interview with Massimo d’Ambrosio and Timmy Newman:

Tim: “Who's caught your eye in particular this preseason? You've spoken about a few players, but are there a couple in mind that you think just have really caught your eye and have shone brightly?

Massimo: Yeah, I touched on a few of the boys there. I have actually really enjoyed watching Oliver Greeves' composure in contests. I think coming from a basketball background, he's obviously got that composure ready, but to be able to come into an environment like this, and you can get a bit nervous and shy, but I think he's been the opposite.

He's really embraced the club and has been really composed under pressure. So credit to him. I think he's done the work, and he's willing to get the best out of himself every day.”

Sounds like more than a few nice handballs.Think you need to give a little here. He’s been good, and I’ve heard it from quite a few different folks, some of them keener track watchers than yourself.

And no, the Leray/Tuck comment wasn’t a joke. It’s just a simple double standard, and I’ll explain why it exists, and why this thread has so much traffic: People are obsessed with his draft position, and more invested in watching him fail than succeed. Exhibit A:

clearly you have a little difficulty with comprehension, and choose to interpret my post to fit some sort of bizarre argument you are trying to make.
there is no negativity towards the player in question, as stated, my interest isn't whether he's any good or not (like 100% of Hawks supporters I hope he turns out to be a fabulous player and the draft steal of the century), my interest and intrigue is in why a touted top 10 player only a few months before the draft slipped to such a low position.
I can only conclude two possible reasons:
1. All 18 AFL recruiters (including ours) have made a massive mistake
2. All 18 AFL recruiters (including ours) are spot on in their professional assessment of the player.

This is not a negative comment about the player, it is a comment on the 2025 AFL draft and Ollie's position in it.
Time will tell whether 1. or 2. above is correct, and we are all hoping it is the first option.

 

[eldorado]

People are obsessed with his draft position, and more invested in watching him fail than succeed.

I've no position on Ollie's likelihood to make it/ be a star...tbh, I think that is as pointless at this stage as a Foxfooty "D+" rating a day after the draft.

But the idea that people with queries as to why he slid are "invested in watching him fail" is pretty ridiculous.

There is not a person here who wouldn't be rapt if he became a star, even more so due to him being a low pick steal

 

[Yardie]

If a highly-rated junior fell down the draft order for some reason but then, during pre-season training, started showing why he had been so highly rated, I'd be delighted as a supporter of the club that drafted the kid, thinking we might've got ourselves a bargain - and I most certainly am delighted.

The reasons for Ollie's draft slide are no longer relevant.

What he's doing on the training track is what actually matters.

Edit: As a 49ers fan, I'm already starting to see some parallels with Niners QB Brock Purdy, who was the last player picked in his draft year but is now our established, Franchise QB. He's having a splendid career but a lot of NFL fans still can't get around the fact that he was 'Mr Irrelevant' and therefore refuse to give him the credit he deserves.

Not just NFL fans but actual 49ers fans still pot him online. Drives me nuts. Bring on the Seahawks!

 

[sven_inc]

The fact he slid to the rookie draft despite being so good as a junior obviously speaks to something clubs had an issue with.

The thing that gives me the most hope is that we tried relatively hard to get him labelled as an NGA at the start of last year due to his indigenous background. There was an article at the time that said we’d been working with him 12 months prior to that, so having essentially at least 2 years of close contact may have given us an insight other clubs didn’t have. Perhaps he didn’t come on in certain ways to compel the other clubs to take him, or perhaps they missed the point a little. Or maybe they were all correct but we were happy to take the punt to see what he can become.

Either way, on the surface he’s an exciting prospect, even if his situation is relatively unique. Pumped to see how he goes, even if he doesn’t turn into the AFL player we’d love him to be.

 

[The Golden Glenferrie]

Not just NFL fans but actual 49ers fans still pot him online. Drives me nuts. Bring on the Seahawks!

He's no Mac Jones but i get your point

 

[NigelTufnel]

I've no position on Ollie's likelihood to make it/ be a star...tbh, I think that is as pointless at this stage as a Foxfooty "D+" rating a day after the draft.

But the idea that people with queries as to why he slid are "invested in watching him fail" is pretty ridiculous.

There is not a person here who wouldn't be rapt if he became a star, even more so due to him being a low pick steal

Speak for yourself, I'd be devastated if he was the answer to our midfield issues and made my queries about him look silly

 

[MrPremiership]

We all get caught up in “leg speed and super athletic profile”

If the kid can find it and then use it by foot, we will be fine with that.

Nah....need to do more than that.
You need to be able to go defensively. If you're behind your man, then the system falls apart and you let the whole team down

 

[Xtreme]

We all get caught up in “leg speed and super athletic profile”

If the kid can find it and then use it by foot, we will be fine with that.

If he can't make his kick knock the umpires hat off while it sails through for a goal, then delist is the only option

/s

 

[houdinihuddo]

Tom Rockliff is the best comparison. Was a gun junior for VIC country and won the goal kicking for the bushrangers at TAC Cup. Expected to go first or second round and then went undrafted on the back of concerns around pace and endurance. Had a good career too with 2 bnfs.

Thanks for the comparison.
In the 2008 draft there were 85 picks with 6 passes. Rockliff was pick 5 in the pre-season draft which was held before the rookie draft where Luke Bruest was picked at 47. In the 2025 draft there were only 60 picks and Ollie was effectively pick 5 in the rookie draft given he was picked at pick 12 after 5 redrafts and 2 passes.
I hope Rockcliff kickeing 4 goals in the TAC GF (Sidebottom kicked 10) and Ollie kicking 4 goals if the CL PF proves to be a good omen. Whatever transpires, Ollie is going to be a very interesting watch.

 

[Dewnior]

Chol proved he can be the best ruck forward in the game in the final series, don’t think that’s Ollie’s competition

Chol is not a ruck forward. He is a chf that can provide ruck support to Meek / Reeves when they rest. He is also very good at following up his ruck work which is more akin to the 'rough' role you alluded to.

IMO, he will likely be trained to play a similar role to Newcombe.

 

[ReturningHawk]

I've no position on Ollie's likelihood to make it/ be a star...tbh, I think that is as pointless at this stage as a Foxfooty "D+" rating a day after the draft.

But the idea that people with queries as to why he slid are "invested in watching him fail" is pretty ridiculous.

I agree, it is ridiculous! And yet it’s written there in black and white. Ka Norkers spelt it out perfectly.

There is not a person here who wouldn't be rapt if he became a star, even more so due to him being a low pick steal

Agreed. I don’t expect him to become a star, or to play a game this season. Just bemused by the fact that here that some people are accosting others for “gushing” or lavishing undeserved praise on a player. It seems both unsurprising (given this is a fan forum) and unworthy of an argument, yet it goes on and on.

 

[essaynode]

The buzz around Greaves can be distilled to a few compelling factors:

1. The Puzzle: Understanding why a player with his junior pedigree was passed over by all 18 clubs.

2. The Potential: The appealing possibility that recruiters missed a gem—a player who could break into the senior side quickly.

3. The Fit: His demonstrated strengths—composure and elite ball use—align well with Hawthorn’s desired profile.

4. The Opportunity: With a need to strengthen our midfield (particularly after the Merrett pursuit), a mature-bodied midfielder like Greaves could fill an obvious gap.

5. The Context: In the news-light off-season, a story like this naturally attracts attention and speculation.

 

[JD1992]

Also another player on our list, that was a Rookie pick by Pies - Ginni - all clubs hadd issues with him, but now we know he is a quality player. (I think at the time - issue may have been with tank, pace and attitude on Ginni) but like a number of poeple have said around Ollie - is that he has a good footy IQ, good hands, similiar to Ginni.

I am keen to watch Ollie's journey and what he can do on the field. As its easy to be caught up in what one cant do versus what they can.

Time will tell. I hope he turns out like Ginni has, but in a different role most likely.

 

[ppphawk]

Almost 12 hours without a post here…. What’s going on? No comments about elite disposal?

 

[ReturningHawk]

Almost 12 hours without a post here…. What’s going on? No comments about elite disposal?

Don’t exaggerate, it’s only been 11 hours and a half!

 

[Wungong Warrior]

Almost 12 hours without a post here…. What’s going on? No comments about elite disposal?

At the moment I think we all should Greeve on how many games Will Day will miss!!

 

[CHUBBSS]

Almost 12 hours without a post here…. What’s going on? No comments about elite disposal?

Here’s my comment

 

[peetoo]

Heath Grundy played 250+ after being selected in 2005 rookie draft.

Firrito long career at North after box hill

 

[HolyRioli]

Key Examples of Late-Bloomers & Rookie Successes:

• Tom Stewart: A Geelong champion, drafted as a mature-age player, becoming one of the league's best defenders.
• Robbie Gray:
• A Port Adelaide icon, taken at pick 55 in 2006, became a multiple All-Australian and Brownlow medalist contender.
• Matt Priddis: An Eagles legend and Brownlow winner, he was a rookie pick (No. 31) after being undrafted multiple times.
• Adam Saad: Undrafted for two seasons before excelling in the VFL, leading to him being picked in the Rookie Draft and becoming a star.
• Luke Ryan: Overlooked in the draft, he won the Fothergill-Round Medal (VFL's best young player) before being nabbed by Fremantle as a late pick.
• Sam Collins: Drafted mature-age, delisted, then became a cult hero and best-and-fairest winner for the Gold Coast Suns.

All these examples and no mention of Zorko? 4 club BnFs and the NEAFL MVP before eventually being drafted, after concerns about his athleticism, profile and professionalism weren't good enough for AFL. Overlooked from the 2007, wasn't added to a list until the end of 2011.

Not to mention our own coach

 

[Slainte]

I wonder if the Day injury has opened the door a crack for a Greeves debut in 2026. Similar size and, like Day, strong overhead and by foot. Lacking some of Day's athleticism and class but that may yet come.

 

[Fluro Boots]

having kept a reasonably close virtual eye on this guy over the last few hours I can say with all the conviction of 15 midstrengths that I believe him to be an excellent combination of Dipper, Birchall and Randall Bone.

 

[DearJai]

having kept a reasonably close virtual eye on this guy over the last few hours I can say with all the conviction of 15 midstrengths that I believe him to be an excellent combination of Dipper, Birchall and Randall Bone.

I wonder how many parts Bone might dilute the other two sufficiently that the names don't matter anymore?

Randall was the last of the giant boned, beautiful, bumbling types that we sent out to bleed for the club in the 1990s. Had his moment or two, as unlikely as that seemed.

There isn't a single player with that particular brand of physiology left in the entire league.

It was probably a meteor that took them out.

 

[Mitchell Madness]

This thread has gone nuts, this draft was weird because the 2 best juniors from u15s to u18s were Dyson Sharp and Oliver Greeves and yet they both went later than I expected personally, the future will tell if the clubs got it right or wrong, I'm putting money on they got it wrong and both become better than expected.... although I would like Greeves to drop 5 kgs to help this bet to make me a profit lol.

Just remember, Gary moss was under 18 all aus captain...