- Joined
- Oct 1, 2001
- Posts
- 10,515
- Reaction score
- 19
- Location
- Victoria
- AFL Club
- Hawthorn
- Other Teams
- BH, SAS, BRFC, MVFC.
http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=238589
HAWTHORN
One of the biggest players in this draft, Hawthorn entered this meeting with a specific, strategic plan in place - the first year of a three-year model. It realised it needed to top up in all areas and this was shown via its recruitment. It started during the exchange period when Chris Pelchen, general manager of player personnel and strategy, was able to gain five selections inside the top 22. This was a shrewd piece of recruiting, considering there was roughly a standout group of 25 players in this year's draft. As a result, three midfielders (Xavier Ellis, Beau Muston and Travis Tuck), two key positions (Beau Dowler and Grant Birchall) and a ruckman (Max Bailey) were chosen. Birchall has the ability to grow into a key position player, although he has also played much of his football in the midfield. It complements the selections recruiting manager Gary Buckenara selected in his first year in 2004, which included the likes of Jarryd Roughead, Lance 'Buddy' Franklin and Jordan Lewis. If the class of 2004-05 can remain healthy and on track, then in the next decade - and that's being realistic Hawthorn fans - when they are roughly 24 or 26 years old, it looms as the time when the club could genuinely add to its silverware. But don't expect too much from this group in 2006, as Dowler (pelvis) and Muston (knee) are recovering from serious injuries. Ellis' focus will be year 12, Bailey is a developing ruckman and Tuck is likely to follow in his father and brother's progress and mature in time. Birchall could be the one to play the most senior football in 2006. But as mentioned above, it will take time. Expect Hawthorn's pre-season draft pick to be used on Brent Guerra.
3 - Xavier Ellis (Gippsland Power)
6 - Beau Dowler (Oakleigh Chargers)
14 - Grant Birchall (Devonport)
18 - Max Bailey (West Perth)
22 - Beau Muston (Murray Bushrangers)
38 - Travis Tuck (Dandenong Stingrays)
65 - Pass
HAWTHORN
One of the biggest players in this draft, Hawthorn entered this meeting with a specific, strategic plan in place - the first year of a three-year model. It realised it needed to top up in all areas and this was shown via its recruitment. It started during the exchange period when Chris Pelchen, general manager of player personnel and strategy, was able to gain five selections inside the top 22. This was a shrewd piece of recruiting, considering there was roughly a standout group of 25 players in this year's draft. As a result, three midfielders (Xavier Ellis, Beau Muston and Travis Tuck), two key positions (Beau Dowler and Grant Birchall) and a ruckman (Max Bailey) were chosen. Birchall has the ability to grow into a key position player, although he has also played much of his football in the midfield. It complements the selections recruiting manager Gary Buckenara selected in his first year in 2004, which included the likes of Jarryd Roughead, Lance 'Buddy' Franklin and Jordan Lewis. If the class of 2004-05 can remain healthy and on track, then in the next decade - and that's being realistic Hawthorn fans - when they are roughly 24 or 26 years old, it looms as the time when the club could genuinely add to its silverware. But don't expect too much from this group in 2006, as Dowler (pelvis) and Muston (knee) are recovering from serious injuries. Ellis' focus will be year 12, Bailey is a developing ruckman and Tuck is likely to follow in his father and brother's progress and mature in time. Birchall could be the one to play the most senior football in 2006. But as mentioned above, it will take time. Expect Hawthorn's pre-season draft pick to be used on Brent Guerra.
3 - Xavier Ellis (Gippsland Power)
6 - Beau Dowler (Oakleigh Chargers)
14 - Grant Birchall (Devonport)
18 - Max Bailey (West Perth)
22 - Beau Muston (Murray Bushrangers)
38 - Travis Tuck (Dandenong Stingrays)
65 - Pass