Nathan Ablett

[Bakes]

True. But equally, Hawkins is not exactly built like Andrew Mackie either, no defender in the competition will be able to intimidate him. He won't be knocked around.

bit of an exageration. no matter how well built in 18's, everyone still needs to grow. even if he is huge, he still needs to learn how to use it on bigger bodies

 

[WestCat]

bit of an exageration. no matter how well built in 18's, everyone still needs to grow. even if he is huge, he still needs to learn how to use it on bigger bodies

I guess that's the big question with Hawkins, how long will it take him to get used to the tempo and style of the game at AFL level. I'm guessing he'll play a bit part in his first year and we'll see some decent footy out of him in his second year.

 

[DanA]

bit of an exageration. no matter how well built in 18's, everyone still needs to grow. even if he is huge, he still needs to learn how to use it on bigger bodies

He may not be able to take Mal Michaels or Rutten who are absolute powerhouses but with Mooney and Ottens taking the best two opponenets how many teams are going to have a third best defender with the size to dominate him.

Geelongs forward line could really cause some problems next year. Now if we could just get a midfeild that could give it a half decent supply.

 

[PoidaCat]

Geelongs forward line could really cause some problems next year. Now if we could just get a midfeild that could give it a half decent supply.

You are spot on. Our problems are our Midfield.

 

[Partridge]

He may not be able to take Mal Michaels or Rutten who are absolute powerhouses but with Mooney and Ottens taking the best two opponenets how many teams are going to have a third best defender with the size to dominate him.

How heavy are Michael or Rutten? Much more than 97kg? They may have more nous and experience obviously but I maintain what I said - he won't be physically intimidated by anyone.

 

[Rosella]

How heavy are Michael or Rutten? Much more than 97kg? They may have more nous and experience obviously but I maintain what I said - he won't be physically intimidated by anyone.

Michael 100, Rutten 99. Michael isn't the player he was anyway. Didn't he let through something like 50 goals this year?

 

[DanA]

Michael 100, Rutten 99. Michael isn't the player he was anyway. Didn't he let through something like 50 goals this year?

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Michael didn't have a great one but he is being exploited on the lead. They may only have 2-3 kg on him but I reckon they could squat 2-3 times what he can. They would be a massive strength advantage.

But lets be honest. Michael plays on Ottens. Someone like Roe gets Hawkins. I could see Hawkins with 5 extra kgs and 5 cm's being a handful. This is my point.

 

[Asty]

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Michael didn't have a great one but he is being exploited on the lead. They may only have 2-3 kg on him but I reckon they could squat 2-3 times what he can. They would be a massive strength advantage.

But lets be honest. Michael plays on Ottens. Someone like Roe gets Hawkins. I could see Hawkins with 5 extra kgs and 5 cm's being a handful. This is my point.

compare them to the best defense in the league.
Adelaides tall defenders are rutten, stevens, basset (can play tall) and then they have bock and mcgreggor who can go back aswell.

rutten gets ottens
stevens/bock/mcgregor gets mooney

that should still leave a nablett and or tom to be bigger than their opponents. They should both be bigger than stevens/bock/mcgregor anyway. That doesn't mean they will tear the game appart but does mean our onballers should be looking to exploit that by kicking to their advantage.