Make or break year...

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

We have so much talent coming through, particularly medium sized flankers it's crazy.

There will always be pressure for spots on the list though and with a bit of a clear out last year, you'd only expect two of Hodge, Burgers and Gibbo at most to be the departers at the end of this year.

As we move to the start of the pre-season games, who do people feel need to have a pretty impressive year to hold their spot on the list?

I am not sure of contracts but I would have thought the following would want to have strong years:
- Fitzpatrick (if Vickery plays well, he is just insurance with Rough back)
- Willsmore (was lucky to escape last year for mine with a poor second half and is just safety surely knowing Hilly was going)
- Miles (whilst he developed a lot, I am not sure what role he can play at ALF level given his size and athleticism - then again Caleb Daniel...)
- Surman (we have a lot of 195cm - 200cm key forward/second ruck options and have added Sam-Jordan)
- Hardwick (just not sure of his role at AFL level as does not have the smarts of a Breust or a midfield tank)
- O'Brien (tick tock tick tock...).

I expect guys like Langers, Whitey, McEvoy, Heatherly, Hartung, Doc, etc who may be on others lists, given posts I have read this off-season, to be clearly in the clubs plans going forward, even if they have an average year.

Apologies to those who are offended by this post. I mean no harm to you sensitive types... all our players would play 400 games+ if they played at Norf...

Thought it made sense to do it now and we can review during the year as a bit of fun and interest.

By the way I did a search of "yes or no Australia" to add to the post, it came up with this...

Sorry...

 

[TheFourPillars]

We have so much talent coming through, particularly medium sized flankers it's crazy.

There will always be pressure for spots on the list though and with a bit of a clear out last year, you'd only expect two of Hodge, Burgers and Gibbo at most to be the departers at the end of this year.

As we move to the start of the pre-season games, who do people feel need to have a pretty impressive year to hold their spot on the list?

I am not sure of contracts but I would have thought the following would want to have strong years:
- Fitzpatrick (if Vickery plays well, he is just insurance with Rough back)
- Willsmore (was lucky to escape last year for mine with a poor second half and is just safety surely knowing Hilly was going)
- Miles (whilst he developed a lot, I am not sure what role he can play at ALF level given his size and athleticism - then again Caleb Daniel...)
- Surman (we have a lot of 195cm - 200cm key forward/second ruck options and have added Sam-Jordan)
- Hardwick (just not sure of his role at AFL level as does not have the smarts of a Breust or a midfield tank)
- O'Brien (tick tock tick tock...).

I expect guys like Langers, Whitey, McEvoy, Heatherly, Hartung, Doc, etc who may be on others lists, given posts I have read this off-season, to be clearly in the clubs plans going forward, even if they have an average year.

Apologies to those who are offended by this post. I mean no harm to you sensitive types... all our players would play 400 games+ if they played at Norf...

Thought it made sense to do it now and we can review during the year as a bit of fun and interest.

By the way I did a search of "yes or no Australia" to add to the post, it came up with this...

Sorry...

Mate i didnt read it but i scrolled to the end and i am glad i did

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

Mate i didnt read it but i scrolled to the end and i am glad i did

Come on this is important !!

 

[WWSD]

Tim O'Brien

He is way behind in the key forward pecking order. Unless the club has plans to play him in defense I just don't see him playing many games this year.

 

[Dewnior]

By the way I did a search of "yes or no Australia" to add to the post, it came up with this...

Sorry...

I'm confused, I can't tell which one is yes and which one is no

 

[Hawkinspired]

Delicious

 

[Gralin]

Swiss just extended feel he is not as low on the club's list as some posters.
Think Langer's could be in a make or break year.

I think Dimma in his second year will be ok.

If Dallas doesn't debut will be in trouble.

Not sold on Billy as a long term solution, how he goes with competition for a wing without Hill in front of him will be interesting.

I'm more interested in who will make it this year, who can cement a spot in the 22 from players like TOB, Howe, Lovell, Stewart, Kiwi, Brand (who could be on the or break list) and Henderson as a veteran option

 

[LuckyHawk]

We have so much talent coming through, particularly medium sized flankers it's crazy.

There will always be pressure for spots on the list though and with a bit of a clear out last year, you'd only expect two of Hodge, Burgers and Gibbo at most to be the departers at the end of this year.

As we move to the start of the pre-season games, who do people feel need to have a pretty impressive year to hold their spot on the list?

I am not sure of contracts but I would have thought the following would want to have strong years:
- Fitzpatrick (if Vickery plays well, he is just insurance with Rough back)
- Willsmore (was lucky to escape last year for mine with a poor second half and is just safety surely knowing Hilly was going)
- Miles (whilst he developed a lot, I am not sure what role he can play at ALF level given his size and athleticism - then again Caleb Daniel...)
- Surman (we have a lot of 195cm - 200cm key forward/second ruck options and have added Sam-Jordan)
- Hardwick (just not sure of his role at AFL level as does not have the smarts of a Breust or a midfield tank)
- O'Brien (tick tock tick tock...).

I expect guys like Langers, Whitey, McEvoy, Heatherly, Hartung, Doc, etc who may be on others lists, given posts I have read this off-season, to be clearly in the clubs plans going forward, even if they have an average year.

Apologies to those who are offended by this post. I mean no harm to you sensitive types... all our players would play 400 games+ if they played at Norf...

Thought it made sense to do it now and we can review during the year as a bit of fun and interest.

By the way I did a search of "yes or no Australia" to add to the post, it came up with this...

Sorry...

I vote her to be captain, coach, c.e.o. and media chic for our women's team.

 

[Gralin]

I should point out on Dallas his field kicking is AFL standard and with his height he could be a decent player.

This may be enough to get him more time if he shows growth in the required areas this year.

He's never going to be crash and bash but he still has some fear of heavy contact to work through to step up a level I think.

 

[Gary Conan Ayres]

s














Yes

 

[PhatHQ]

This is always a tough one IMO.
It's easy to flick names around & there is always the argument for & against with people having favourites to go in to bat for.

I think the primary part of the list development is that we should be able to significantly replicate what we want to be doing at Box hill level & develop the depth players there in readiness for player movement at the end of a season & pending retirements.

Seamless transition therefor leaves the option less daunting if a player moves on or is moved on.

Last year there was an emphasis on midfield development & this year looks to be the year of the defender.

Hodge, Gibson, Burgoyne... Birchall, Doc are all expendable at the end of the year if Burton, Brand, Sicily, Glass, Heatherly, TOB, Miles all continue to get better & shape a more youthful & faster game style from defence.

After this point it is always about list turnover & development with the depth outside of recruiting a gun or drafting identified talent.

I definitely have my favourite players & those I don't rate as highly or have plans for 400 game players from our entire list.
I am happy to move on anyone in any fashion to improve the list.

If I had to pick 3 right now off last seasons performance & player development to cover best 22

Hartung
Birchall
Doc

 

[Baz_hawk]

Willsmore is definitely one that is going around one final time if he can't find a spot in the seniors. Shows some strong attributes but just hadn't got enough strings to his bow to get him a senior call up. Could get a look in on the wing as Hill has left that spot open.

Surman was seen as a project player, his progress this year will likely determine his fate.

Hardwick I'd be surprised to see cut. Proven goal kicker in his junior days, second year in the system in a side with a very strong small forward group. I suspect the club would be going to have him knocking on the door of selection this year and a full preseason will go a long way.

O'Brien and Schoenmakers may be a little nervous IF they find themselves unable to break into the side. O'Brien more so for mine.

 

[dcutter]

O'rourke.

Could be a touch premature but currently an overwhelming disappointment relative to his position taken in the draft (no 2).
If he was taken later you'd be willing to cut him some slack, but he was very highly rated when taken.

The most concerning aspect as a supporter, if we were to critique him with brutal honesty, is just how little he has seemingly shown.
Its probably also worth noting his position (inside mid) has arguably been our weakest part of the ground albeit in very strong teams.

Doesn't need to dominate but he desperately needs to show a lot more this year.

 

[Agent Smith]

We have so much talent coming through, particularly medium sized flankers it's crazy. Blah, blah, blah.

I've skimmed through the post, but after a quick evaluation I'd reckon she'll make it.

 

[Newtothegame]

I should point out on Dallas his field kicking is AFL standard and with his height he could be a decent player.

This may be enough to get him more time if he shows growth in the required areas this year.

He's never going to be crash and bash but he still has some fear of heavy contact to work through to step up a level I think.

If you can believe my little sisters best friend ( and she has been right everytime ) then the club has already extended his contract. Like last years resigning it never seems to make the news but it was correct.

 

[Gralin]

If you can believe my little sisters best friend ( and she has been right everytime ) then the club has already extended his contract. Like last years resigning it never seems to make the news but it was correct.

I can believe it. I see Dallas in a rocky position because he will be in his fourth year on the list, isn't a kept position or ruck and hasn't debuted.

It really depends on why he hasn't and where the club see him playing senior footy. Could be this is his year, could be they see him as worth keeping based on the fact he has 3 years in the system and will provide some cheap depth

We know that players with the right skills can get a game at Hawthorn if those skills are good enough and important enough to game plan. I don't know where they would like to play him at AFL level, he could get some games on the wing possibly

 

[Agent Smith]

I can believe it. I see Dallas in a rocky position because he will be in his fourth year on the list, isn't a kept position or ruck and hasn't debuted.

It really depends on why he hasn't and where the club see him playing senior footy. Could be this is his year, could be they see him as worth keeping based on the fact he has 3 years in the system and will provide some cheap depth

We know that players with the right skills can get a game at Hawthorn if those skills are good enough and important enough to game plan. I don't know where they would like to play him at AFL level, he could get some games on the wing possibly

Yep, I was thinking wing would be his best chance, especially now with Hilly gone.

 

[Steven Tyler]

Can you repeat the question please, I wasn't paying attention

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

I can believe it. I see Dallas in a rocky position because he will be in his fourth year on the list, isn't a kept position or ruck and hasn't debuted.

It really depends on why he hasn't and where the club see him playing senior footy. Could be this is his year, could be they see him as worth keeping based on the fact he has 3 years in the system and will provide some cheap depth

We know that players with the right skills can get a game at Hawthorn if those skills are good enough and important enough to game plan. I don't know where they would like to play him at AFL level, he could get some games on the wing possibly

It's only the wing for mine.

 

[kazzooka]

Everytime i hear about wilsmore i keep thinking back to suckling. We all thought he was gone after 4 years and no impact. Then he's starting on the ground in round 1 taking the kick outs, getting 20 touches a game and known as the best kick in the competition.

I think when Dallas gets a chance he will cement a spot. His game is better suited to afl than vfl. In the vfl it's all about contested ball all over the ground with little opportunity for open space outside players. In the afl the skills and fitness is much better so there is more opportunities for outside guys if they can run and dispose well.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

 

[A Cut Above]

Schoenmakers! Roughead, Gunston & Sicily have gone past him, so will Vickery I hope, as may Burton if he's played as a forward. I wince at the thought of Schoey playing in the backline but we're light on KPD depth with Gibson's retirement looming so that may save him if he has another bad year.

Another player who needs to step up is O'Rourke, although like O'Brien he's still fairly young as are the rest of the guys who are borderline best 22. Whitecross may be an exception to that but was recently given an extension. Langford is another I think is pretty safe given our lack of mature inside mid depth.

 

[Dipper]

. I wince at the thought of Schoey playing in the backline but we're light on KPD depth with Gibson's retirement looming so that may save him if he has another bad year.

.

I'm the same and I don't think he'll ever be a strong CHB/ KD standing the really good big forwards but I have started to wonder whether he could play that kind of third defender role where he takes a not so big or good forward and provides some drive and delivery out of the back half as well.

As mentioned Gibbo won't be around forever, although right now it seems more likely that his role is to take the second forward not third.

As for the question I'd have thought Langers is looking at a make or break year, Luckyhawk made a comment that I think implied his card may me marked if he doesn't step up.

JOR needs to show something more than he has, I actually have hopes for him if his body can hold up a bit better but by no means convinced as yet.

 

[wizzard400]

O'rourke.

Could be a touch premature but currently an overwhelming disappointment relative to his position taken in the draft (no 2).
If he was taken later you'd be willing to cut him some slack, but he was very highly rated when taken.

The most concerning aspect as a supporter, if we were to critique him with brutal honesty, is just how little he has seemingly shown.
Its probably also worth noting his position (inside mid) has arguably been our weakest part of the ground albeit in very strong teams.

Doesn't need to dominate but he desperately needs to show a lot more this year.

Gotta echo these thoughts. Hasn't shown enough IMO and if he doesn't crack the starting 22 this year I can see him being delisted at years end unfortunately.

 

[Mitchell54]

Could we convert TOB into a key defender or Gibson type player?

 

[Tyrone Time]

Sorry...

#freetitshawthorn