http://www.thegreenfieldpost.com.au...s-members-jump-ship-to-gws-after-finals-exit/
It has emerged overnight that 70,000 Hawthorn members have jumped ship to Greater Western Sydney after their shattering semi-final loss to the Western Bulldogs, ahead of the Giant’s first premiership pursuit in their short history.
The move has come after a “shocking” season where the Hawks won just 17 games and failed to make it to the Grand Final, ending in straight set losses in the finals.
Hawthorn’s loss to the emerging Giants during the season by 75 points is also thought to be a contributing factor to the shift.
“Of course this team change may change again if the Giants get knocked out in the Prelim. But I’m sure all true footy fans can empathise with us; it’s just been too long for us to wait for another flag,” one two-year Hawthorn member said.
Other Hawthorn fans were more realistic, admitting they might cop backlash from other supporters, but were confident that their avid support of their former club gave them the justification for a fresh start.
“Some fans might say we are disloyal but I have been with the mighty Hawkers since 2013. I’ve been there through all the tough times, all the ups and downs. But now it is time to whack the GWS bumper stickers on my BMW four-wheel drive over the Hawthorn ones,” another member said.
“To go to two games this year and for us to ONLY make a semi-final, it’s just simply not good enough. I didn’t change teams from Brisbane in 2001 to Sydney in 2004 to Geelong in 2007 to Hawthorn in 2008 to see that kind of display,” a frustrated Hawks fan said after the game.
Supporters also denied that this switch in sides was jumping on any ‘band wagon’.
“How are we jumping on a favourite when they have finished in the top 8 just once in their history?” quizzed one fan.
The Hawthorn squad are understanding of their fans jumping ship, especially considering the heavy GWS connection at the club with the acquisition of prized Giants recruit Jono O’Rourke in 2015.
O’Rourke – a former number two draft pick the 2012 Draft - has played five games in two seasons at the Hawks.
“They’ll definitely have to move the game to ANZ Stadium now with all our supporters flying up to watch our beloved GWS boys. CARN THE GIANTS!” one Hawks player said to our source.
The Hawks are expecting to be back to the crippling fan-base that they endured during the early 2000’s in 2017 after their disappointing season.