6 week game plan

[Hawk_francais]

It's often said by coaches and players that the style of the game changes about every six weeks, and that teams have to adapt in-season.

The Hawthorn coaching staff would have spent the pre-season dreaming up a winning game plan. With 4 wins and 2 losses, do you think it has been a success?

And where to next for Hawthorn, if the competition demands adaptation from every team? Can these young players and debutants part of a new game-plan which will win the premiership in October?

 

[JordyLuke]

No, I think the wins have less to do with the game plan and more to do with flashes of brilliance.

Too much hand balling, getting smashed out of the middle, conceding massive deficits in contested ball, conceding more scores and kicking fewer goals.

 

[rdhopkins2]

Haven't been as good as we hoped. No using injuries and fixture as an excuse. We've blooded some more youngsters and got a little valuable senior time in to them. Sharp learning curve but we can't rely week in and week out on the likes of Mitchell and Hodge. We must improve and I'm sure we will.

The next 6 weeks against:

Richmond (MCG)- out of form, depleted; should win. They'll be fired up though after the press this week I'd expect and have a nasty habit of knocking us over (not taking in to account the premiership omen). Hawks by 22pts.

Freo (Launy)- out of form, depleted, fortress Aurora; should win. Hawks by 42pts.

Sydney (MCG)- should win at home but never underestimate Sydney. Definitely a tough game. Hawks by 3pts.

Brisbane (GABBA)- Brisy aren't fantastic and we haven't played at the Gabba in years but these are the sort of games that are a must win for a side looking to threaten in finals. I don't care about their home ground advantage. Train on Gabba dimensions the week before, hit the ground running and starting well is a must. Hawks by 22pts

Melbourne (MCG)- improving but inconsistent and should knock them off without too many issues. Hawks by 43pts

Essendon (Etihad)- if we can't beat the top ups, I'll be ropable. This should be a percentage boosting win. Hawks by 60pts.

The Sydney game is the one the biggest danger. We can't rest against the others though and let them get off to a quick start. A few percentage boosting wins would be fantastic. Win 5/6 would be the pass mark for me. 4 would be disappointing. Less than 4 would be a disaster.

Write your own history boys!

First to the ball, control it, use it and kick straight. When we don't have it, fight like hell to get it back.

 

[Mitchell54]

We're fine. We were 4-4 last year.

 

[rdhopkins2]

We're fine. We were 4-4 last year.

Still have to continue winning games.
We are currently 8th with 91.8%, much lower than the rest of the 8, a percentage more reflective of 11th spot had we dropped a couple a close game.
Dogs with the same number of wins are on 155%.

 

[Manila_Hawk]

And at the end of those 6 weeks, we should have the big Rough and Hodgey back.

 

[Angus Young]

We're fine. We were 4-4 last year.

I don't think so...we just don't look good

we have played one 4 quarter game

if we win by 8 goals plus this week then I'll agree

 

[LuckyHawk]

win win win win win win - then we'll be laughing like a big fat hairy spider.

 

[Flamin Joe]

And at the end of those 6 weeks, we should have the big Rough and Hodgey back.

Not saying you are, but people talk of Roughie coming back like he's the messiah and instantly all our deficiencies this year will be gone not to mention we'll suddenly have an extra 5 goals kicked per game (as I've seen suggested on another thread). I wish it were that easy.

Realistically yes he will add a lot to our game but coming back from an injury like that with the extended time off it's going to take at least another couple of weeks to get back into match fitness and find form. The same can be said for Hodge who struggled coming back after his last injury and I dare say may even take a bit longer than Roughie to get back into it.

 

[kimbopen]

Not saying you are, but people talk of Roughie coming back like he's the messiah and instantly all our deficiencies this year will be gone not to mention we'll suddenly have an extra 5 goals kicked per game (as I've seen suggested on another thread). I wish it were that easy.

Realistically yes he will add a lot to our game but coming back from an injury like that with the extended time off it's going to take at least another couple of weeks to get back into match fitness and find form. The same can be said for Hodge who struggled coming back after his last injury and I dare say may even take a bit longer than Roughie to get back into it.

Agree, it will take time for both Roughie and Hodge to hit their straps - with any luck, it will be at the same time as the team really starts firing up for another shot at September/October action.

 

[JoondalupJ]

No, I think the wins have less to do with the game plan and more to do with flashes of brilliance.

Too much hand balling, getting smashed out of the middle, conceding massive deficits in contested ball, conceding more scores and kicking fewer goals.

Remember when Hawthorn over handball , we are doing two things wrong, our runners are not heading to the forward line fast enough and players with the ball up field have to delay or change direction or HANDBALL off, to someone in a worst position. The other thing is Hawks seem to be a bit indecisive even in the wins. It all comes from the game at too close quarters, GWS had a field day we had a bad day, the younger players have to be blooded for the future. I would now have kept Lake for one more season, Hale was shot I think.
But that's too late now, the new kids have to stand up and be counted . They will, Hawthorn senior squad will gain form back too. We are far from done, but a new way of doing what we do will be in the melting pot.

But get the fast breakers moving into the open AND FORWARD, and cut the hand ball, if in doubt boot it toward your goals, old saying but true, the further away from the enemy scoring area, the better. HILLY START RUNNING, RUNNING, RUNNING, GIVE THE TEAM A TARGET , THAT'S WHY WE ARE OVER HANDBALLING , put it together and they can't touch you.

 

[extractasam]

Going to be a different year to previous ones so theres no point drawing comparisons. Theres a few more "big" games we'll be setting ourselves for now rather than the 2 or 3 per season we've had over the last few years.

Game plan wise I don't think we're executing what we set out to do. The small stages where it comes together are good, but im not sure if its a sustainable game plan... yet. Either way, Clarko will admit if he was wrong. Keep faith.

 

[JoondalupJ]

Haven't been as good as we hoped. No using injuries and fixture as an excuse. We've blooded some more youngsters and got a little valuable senior time in to them. Sharp learning curve but we can't rely week in and week out on the likes of Mitchell and Hodge. We must improve and I'm sure we will.

The next 6 weeks against:

Richmond (MCG)- out of form, depleted; should win. They'll be fired up though after the press this week I'd expect and have a nasty habit of knocking us over (not taking in to account the premiership omen). Hawks by 22pts.

Freo (Launy)- out of form, depleted, fortress Aurora; should win. Hawks by 42pts.

Sydney (MCG)- should win at home but never underestimate Sydney. Definitely a tough game. Hawks by 3pts.

Brisbane (GABBA)- Brisy aren't fantastic and we haven't played at the Gabba in years but these are the sort of games that are a must win for a side looking to threaten in finals. I don't care about their home ground advantage. Train on Gabba dimensions the week before, hit the ground running and starting well is a must. Hawks by 22pts

Melbourne (MCG)- improving but inconsistent and should knock them off without too many issues. Hawks by 43pts

Essendon (Etihad)- if we can't beat the top ups, I'll be ropable. This should be a percentage boosting win. Hawks by 60pts.

The Sydney game is the one the biggest danger. We can't rest against the others though and let them get off to a quick start. A few percentage boosting wins would be fantastic. Win 5/6 would be the pass mark for me. 4 would be disappointing. Less than 4 would be a disaster.

Write your own history boys!

First to the ball, control it, use it and kick straight. When we don't have it, fight like hell to get it back.

I never predict winning or losing scores, we have the capacity to win all those games, all our players should be sizing up our and their capacity too.
The cave in last week was a worry, but I think we were really off, and the Giants were really on, not sure, I know a couple of times Richmond hammered us but it was days that just looked bad, GWS looked deadly, we have to overcome that.
Regain form, I think last week GWS beat us even if we are in form. Gee they had a great day, it happens.
We have players to return and Hawks wanting to prove themselves , we have good depth , lets hope Hodgey has a good rest and Roughy is on fire when his time comes.
Our backline boys could do with some help from a very very desperate and strong player who never ever gives up , Spangher!! I hope he's healthy.
Like to see him back soon too. I like the team when Langford plays his desperation and throwing himself in lifts our side.

We could not expect anything different this year and we should know, we'll be heavily challenged , but next week is different. And the next time we meet the Giants , it will also be a different day and a different game.

Have faith Hawks , and kill!!!!!

 

[SSSSSS]

I think the reason why we are overhandballing isn't just simply the lack of run (which is apparent) but it's also compounded by the fact that we are almost always second to the ball.

Everytime we have the ball we are under immense pressure already and the players have been trained not to blindly boot the ball forward (this is a good thing) and to look for someone else along the chain. The problem is our handballing is just shite.

Handballing in itself isn't a problem. Geelong won 3 flags off the back of handballing it through the middle. It's just that our boys seem to fail to perform a basic skill. Hospital handballs galore, little ones that fall to the knee and it just creates a domino effect of ever increasing pressure until we turn it over and then get exposed with our slow as a treacle defense.

If we can sharpen up or skills a tad and find the gonads to win the hard ball then we should be in good stead.

If not we are pretty farked but I'd back our boys to do the former.

 

[Bedi]

i'm just amazed by how quickly people are writing us off - esp respected Hawk supporters both here on Big Footy and the media (Dunstall and Derm have both declared we can't win it). I personally am loving this season so far. Another classic, though gutting loss against the Cats, smashing West Coast was as good as it gets, and then those 3 games in a row by 3 points created history for the club - all incredible wins against formidable opposition . And then we lose against GWS and then our era is over? It's ridiculous how fickle the football world is. At round 6 i'm more confident this year than I am the last 4 years.

 

[Bedi]

I mean seriously, when push comes to shove, you really think there's any team in the 8 who we can't beat when it matters?

 

[Mervyn Beasley]

i'm just amazed by how quickly people are writing us off - esp respected Hawk supporters both here on Big Footy and the media (Dunstall and Derm have both declared we can't win it). I personally am loving this season so far. Another classic, though gutting loss against the Cats, smashing West Coast was as good as it gets, and then those 3 games in a row by 3 points created history for the club - all incredible wins against formidable opposition . And then we lose against GWS and then our era is over? It's ridiculous how fickle the football world is. At round 6 i'm more confident this year than I am the last 4 years.

Respect your optimism Bedi but I really think you should check out the stats of our midfielders aside from Mitchell.
If it wasn't for him we would be 1-5. Most weeks the majority of the rest of the MF have struggled to get 20 touches.
If there isn't a massive turnaround in there and a mega pick up in the front half which results in consistent 100+ scores we are shot for top 4.
Normally I have confidence. At the moment it is just hope. Which I'm actually ok with - all things considered.

 

[Bedi]

Respect your optimism Bedi but I really think you should check out the stats of our midfielders aside from Mitchell.
If it wasn't for him we would be 1-5. Most weeks the majority of the rest of the MF have struggled to get 20 touches.
If there isn't a massive turnaround in there and a mega pick up in the front half which results in consistent 100+ scores we are shot for top 4.
Normally I have confidence. At the moment it is just hope. Which I'm actually ok with - all things considered.

as long as we find a way to win, screw stats

 

[flinchfree]

Two things about our game plan.

First, can anyone remind me if we had a change this season with the coach responsible for on-ballers / stoppages?
Did Rats have them last year and move on to the forwards this year....?
If so, perhaps whoever came in (Carroll???) intro'd a game plan that has clearly fluffed and it's time to revert to last year's set up!

Secondly you've got to run the players that can make the game plan work and in positions where they can best hurt the oppo.
I want Izzy back on a wing full time, no where else.
Hilly center forward offering endless outside run. No matter what, run run run.
I'd like to see Hardwick get a go as a mid/forward.
Lovell plays on-ball for as much of the game as his fitness will allow.
Lewis told to be at the bottom of every stoppage fall of the ball. No other instruction, no link running, no outside, just running through the middle of ever damn ball up/in and sacrifice his body to win hard ball for the side. He can do honor once more to his name and history, but that's the only place I can see him now offering anything worth being picked in the 22 for.

One things for sure.
Clarko won't lie down, he may empower his coaches to implement what they believe in but if it aint working - he'll put his own stamp on the game plan.

Keep blooding the kids. They can be good enough, we just need to add more cordial at the end of the season via free agency and trading.
Red cordial please.

 

[H2F]

It's not the gameplan that is failing us. In fact the gameplan is probably the only reason we are 4-2. We've got so much youth through the team and the old boys are over it this time of year it's pretty amazing we are where we are.

It's our structure.

We've lost Lake, Roughead and Shoey and replaced them with two babies who are doing well (Sicily and Toby) and a small.

I think it must be a deliberate plan to have as much run as possible early knowing we need to preserve our ageing stars.

The GWS game was an enigma really. They were so hot and we never gave a whimper ...
In three weeks we will know if we have a chance or not but right now I'm happy Clarko is developing our future, rather than chasing his own accolades.

Best coach of all time ... Give him a sniff and he could find a way to do it again. I reckon he'll do it again.

 

[Pessimistic]

Not saying you are, but people talk of Roughie coming back like he's the messiah and instantly all our deficiencies this year will be gone not to mention we'll suddenly have an extra 5 goals kicked per game (as I've seen suggested on another thread). I wish it were that easy.

Realistically yes he will add a lot to our game but coming back from an injury like that with the extended time off it's going to take at least another couple of weeks to get back into match fitness and find form. The same can be said for Hodge who struggled coming back after his last injury and I dare say may even take a bit longer than Roughie to get back into it.

I think its more the point that if rough weren't to come back this year, a flag would probably be impossible. He and mitch are our most valuable paleyers

 

[Pessimistic]

i'm just amazed by how quickly people are writing us off - esp respected Hawk supporters both here on Big Footy and the media (Dunstall and Derm have both declared we can't win it). I personally am loving this season so far. Another classic, though gutting loss against the Cats, smashing West Coast was as good as it gets, and then those 3 games in a row by 3 points created history for the club - all incredible wins against formidable opposition . And then we lose against GWS and then our era is over? It's ridiculous how fickle the football world is. At round 6 i'm more confident this year than I am the last 4 years.

Dunstall and Derm are repeating an approach which has 'helped' us in recent years

 

[Bumps"N"Grins]

Two things about our game plan.

First, can anyone remind me if we had a change this season with the coach responsible for on-ballers / stoppages?
Did Rats have them last year and move on to the forwards this year....?
If so, perhaps whoever came in (Carroll???) intro'd a game plan that has clearly fluffed and it's time to revert to last year's set up!

Secondly you've got to run the players that can make the game plan work and in positions where they can best hurt the oppo.
I want Izzy back on a wing full time, no where else.
Hilly center forward offering endless outside run. No matter what, run run run.
I'd like to see Hardwick get a go as a mid/forward.
Lovell plays on-ball for as much of the game as his fitness will allow.
Lewis told to be at the bottom of every stoppage fall of the ball. No other instruction, no link running, no outside, just running through the middle of ever damn ball up/in and sacrifice his body to win hard ball for the side. He can do honor once more to his name and history, but that's the only place I can see him now offering anything worth being picked in the 22 for.

One things for sure.
Clarko won't lie down, he may empower his coaches to implement what they believe in but if it aint working - he'll put his own stamp on the game plan.

Keep blooding the kids. They can be good enough, we just need to add more cordial at the end of the season via free agency and trading.
Red cordial please.

Like most of what you are suggesting on here and other discussions on our board and at the risk of being burnt alive on here, does anyone truly think the Breust is any kind of midfielder at all, for mine he is a very good player forward of centre and that's it. I have seen over the past two to three seasons that he has been rotated trough the middle and is largely ineffectual as he point blank refuses to be first in and put his head over the ball as natural mids do, it's not part of his DNA. I'm not saying this to just hang crap on Breust, just hoping that the experiment of Breust into a mid gets shelved quickly.

 

[Agent Smith]

i'm just amazed by how quickly people are writing us off - esp respected Hawk supporters both here on Big Footy and the media (Dunstall and Derm have both declared we can't win it). I personally am loving this season so far. Another classic, though gutting loss against the Cats, smashing West Coast was as good as it gets, and then those 3 games in a row by 3 points created history for the club - all incredible wins against formidable opposition . And then we lose against GWS and then our era is over? It's ridiculous how fickle the football world is. At round 6 i'm more confident this year than I am the last 4 years.

The GWS game could be a blessing in disguise for the club. It was a big enough loss for us to have people writing us off, and guys like Dunstall and Dermie are simply accentuating that for the purposes of keeping us way below the radar. Just imagine the inherent pressure on our club if we went into September with, say, only one or two small losses on the board for the year after three-peating? The expectations would be huge. Let the media sooks soak it up big time. It is nothing but gold for our club.

When finals come around and, if we're in the top 8, make no mistake - regardless of how well any other club's form has been leading up to the finals, we will be the most feared team in the competition. Every team, every opposition supporter, will not be able to breathe easily unless/until we're out of the equation. That's when we strike. Hard, unsociable footy. We'll let other clubs crumble under the increasing perceived pressure that comes from a team that keeps delivering at the pointy end of the season.

 

[TyHawk]

Like most of what you are suggesting on here and other discussions on our board and at the risk of being burnt alive on here, does anyone truly think the Breust is any kind of midfielder at all, for mine he is a very good player forward of centre and that's it. I have seen over the past two to three seasons that he has been rotated trough the middle and is largely ineffectual as he point blank refuses to be first in and put his head over the ball as natural mids do, it's not part of his DNA. I'm not saying this to just hang crap on Breust, just hoping that the experiment of Breust into a mid gets shelved quickly.

Been saying this about Breust for a few years now. He isn't a natural ball winner, he's just a mid sized half forward who is one of the best front and center, clever inside 50 players who is very good overhead and one on one but that's it. Just like poppy, there midfield work is nothing but give some breathing time for our proper mids. Part timers at best.