Birchall named in Squad to play against Freo

[RustyHawk]

Brent Guerra & Grant Birchall are the 2 new boys for Hawthorn in the squad to play against Freo in week 1 (source:3AW)

 

[DynamoUltra]

Will they actually play or are they just in the squad?

 

[Grendel]

We wont know that until they finalise the squad DU.

Ahh.. team speculation, great to have it back.

 

[RustyHawk]

Will they actually play or are they just in the squad?

Dont think there is any doubt that Guerra will play.

I think with Birchall its probably a case of saying publically you are close to selection, keep on going and good reward for efforts so far. Or, being Taswegien and @ 192cm he could be useful and given a go?

Just think it sounds better when you announce a team in the first round that you have someone "brand new" - physcologically it just sounds better - the team is fresher? Not same old, same old.

 

[Guido17]

I've talking to a few people and Birchall will play.

 

[cs61]

Apparently AC said he will debut this week. I wonder who would miss out though because either someone is injured or Birchall has impressed enough to be in front of one of Ries, Lewis, Dawson or Guerra, which would be a fair effort in his first year.

 

[mule]

its always interesting to see how the new guys go

 

[RustyHawk]

Ries or Lewis.

Lewis because of possible fitness concerns.

Ries because he's Ries of this is my last year before being traded to North.

 

[PHX]

Grant Birchall's from the town next to mine and in the local paper today it said that Birchall will definetly play and had a quote from Gary Buckanarra saying so. I wish I had it with me so I could scan it.

So it's looking like he will make his debut in his own state.

 

[Guido17]

Date published: Friday, March 31, 2006.
Author: NIGEL TAPP

Our Hawk set to debut
DEVONPORT teenager Grant Birchall will make his AFL debut on Sunday when Hawthorn hosts Fremantle at Aurora Stadium, in Launceston.

The 18-year-old taken at No.14 in last year's draft was named on an extended interchange bench but will take his place in the Hawks' line-up after impressing against Essendon and the West Coast Eagles in practice matches over the last fortnight.

Birchall was one of nine players drafted last year to be included in the first round.

Among the others are No.1 pick Marc Murphy (Carlton), No.2 Dale Thomas (Collingwood), No.7 Paddy Ryder (Essendon) and No.9 Mitchell Clark (Brisbane).

Hawthorn recruiting manager Gary Buckenara said Birchall had earnt his spot given his pre-season form and efforts on the training track.

"He has not been given a game, he has earnt it," Buckenara said.

"It really has been a terrific effort by him and we are delighted with his progress so far.

"Obviously it will be a big moment for the young man.

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"Normally it takes a while to get used to things and he has adapted to the changes well."

Buckenara said the fact that Birchall had played against bigger bodies over the last two season with Devonport in the NTFL would hold him in good stead.

"Out of the group we drafted he certainly was one who we expected could play some senior football this year."

"He has worked solidly (on the track) and done everything which could be asked of him."

Birchall's former mentor, Devonport coach Dale Perry, said he was rapt with Birchall's development in such a short time.

Perry who spoke with is former charge yesterday afternoon said he did not expect the occasion to impact on Birchall.

 

[PHX]

mmm I got the paper now so here is the article....



EDIT: Damn I really should've refreshed before I posted. But oh well now you can see his sexy face well!

 

[bugsy]

mmm I got the paper now so here is the article....



EDIT: Damn I really should've refreshed before I posted. But oh well now you can see his sexy face well!

thats great!
It helps with pushing the HFC into Tassie with "Our Hawk" Headlines.
Should bring on new members.

 

[RustyHawk]

Well its been confirmed he's in the starting 22 with Ries, Miller & Murphy the emergencies.

Good move and I hope he does well.

 

[grumbleguts]

How prophetic is this thread title.

I was looking for the "Welcome to Hawthorn - Grant Birchall" thread to welcome him - back. Found this instead.

Exciting times.

 

[eldorado]

Nick Ries!!!

There's a blast from the past...