Big MAX

Beckers

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Thread starter #1
From the official site:

Hawks unveil Big Max
1:31:25 PM Fri 3 March, 2006
Paul Gough and Ashley Browne

Hawthorn fans will get their first look at young ruckman Max Bailey this weekend with the 206cm giant to lead the Hawks' big man department against Adelaide in the NAB Cup quarter final in Launceston.

Bailey, who at just 19 is already the second tallest player in the competition behind Fremantle's Aaron Sandilands, replaces the injured Peter Everitt and his presence is sure to add even more interest to Saturday night's clash.

The West Perth youngster, who was taken at pick 18 in last year's draft, impressed in an intra-club match two weeks ago when he took on the experienced Everitt in a head-to-head battle - showing great agility for such a tall and raw youngster.


Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson admitted on Friday he is excited by the prospect of seeing Bailey step up to senior level, but has warned Hawks' fans not to expect too much of Bailey just yet with young ruckman - particularly those as tall as Bailey - often taking years to mature.

"Big Max is going to make his debut and that will be exciting for us," Clarkson said.

"With Spider (Everitt) going out of our side from last week it was important we got some tall timber into our side so Max is going to front up."

"But we are not going to have huge expectations on him, not only in this game but over his whole first year."

"However whatever senior experience he can get at this stage is invaluable."

"He played a game head-to-head against Everitt two weeks ago which was a great experience for him, and then last week he played well against Sandringham when playing for Box Hill (in the VFL).

With not only Everitt sidelined but also other key senior players in Shane Crawford, John Barker and Michael Osborne - Clarkson admits his side faces a tough task to beat an experienced Adelaide side which, although missing injured skipper Mark Ricciuto, will start hot favourites after thrashing Port in the first round last week.

"They are a very handy outfit, they are well-coached and they have got some wonderful experience through their club," Clarkson said of Adelaide, which lifted the pre-season trophy back in 2003.

"And they have got some pretty handy young players coming through as well so they are a formidable side and it will be a great challenge for our guys."
 

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Grendel

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#6
Hope he goes okay, would give him a run more when the early 'heat' of the game is out of it or if/when the Crows have one of their young ruck prospects (Meesen and Maric) on ball.

I'd still be giving Taylor and Campbell first crack at Biglands and Clarke though.
 

Bennycoff

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#7
didn't see much of the match, heard he took a nice grab and kicked a goal and all the Hawks players ran and congratulated him.

did he go alright?
 

Nightwolf

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#8
Bennycoff said:
didn't see much of the match, heard he took a nice grab and kicked a goal and all the Hawks players ran and congratulated him.

did he go alright?
Didnt get alot of game time, but had a couple of nice taps, and his mark was excellant..
 

materamagic

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#9
So stoked for Max the big fella. It was only last year that I was kicking the footy with him. Kicking a goal in your first game is always great for the confidence and I'm sure that Max will be a player of the future for you guys.
 

mattyc2422

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#11
Showed signs but there was no need to play him. Taylor and Robbie played the majority of the game in the ruck and Bailey's spot would have been more useful to giving Matt Little, Ben Kane or Tom Murphy a run.
 

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cs61

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#12
Agree that there probably wasn't much point if we weren't going to give enough game-time, but we know that he didn't looked out of place, could be an option as a forward during the year, and has the size and mobility already.

Exciting option.

Surprised that Murphy, Gilham, or Kane haven't been tried yet, and Little. Don't have to play them al, but this is the best time to find out whether they are a chance to play early.
 

LoneStar

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#13
cschreuder61 said:
Agree that there probably wasn't much point if we weren't going to give enough game-time, but we know that he didn't looked out of place, could be an option as a forward during the year, and has the size and mobility already.

Exciting option.

Surprised that Murphy, Gilham, or Kane haven't been tried yet, and Little. Don't have to play them al, but this is the best time to find out whether they are a chance to play early.
I think next two weeks will be best time for having a look at some of the youngest guys & experimenting with the mix. Who/Where are the Hawks going to play?
 

FatBoy's Wombats

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#15
Looked good on saturday night that grab over Rutten was very good. Big unit, moves well just needs time to learn to position himself around the ground. There were a few times he was taking up space he should have cleared to let others lead into. Otherwise impressive
 

mattyc2422

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#17
Triple thread. Bailey and Taylor interchanging up forward, Robbie spending time down back.

Include some form of zone system in which Bailey rucks the forward 50, Taylor the centre square and Robbie the back 50.

I really have no idea.
 
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