Player Watch Welcome James Blanck. Extends to 2026!

[Topiary]

Hawthorn have rorted free agency again.

We've found another one. Bookmark it.

Agree. Pity we can’t manipulate the system to get more picks.

 

[Topiary]

This was such a promising first game. Looked at home. Sam may have potentially solved what is a glaring weakness moving forward.

Looked composed and not rushed with ball in hand. While not primarily what he would be selected for as our KPD, this aspect of his game felt like a breath of fresh air after Chip and Hartigan.

He was very good. Liked his calm presence. Give him a full preseason and work on his strength and we have a player.

 

[Topiary]

Just got to get some more class. We cannot expect to mine mid season Drafts or late picks. That we have done well, but it is not sustainable. We just must get more collateral and more talent.

 

[HODGEYROAD]

Did some good things and will be better for the experience, was outpointed on a few occasions but that isn't expected for a young key defender on debut.

 

[toomanysquibs]

Considering the amount of ball that went into our backline after quarter time, he did really well in his first game. Looks like plenty of tools to work in that he's got speed, height, agility and skill. Definitely the most solid debut by a key back since our high profile recruiting during the 3 peat years. At worst he'll help DGB develop by taking some heat off him when Hartigan is gone.

 

[Sizzlesilk]

Just got to get some more class. We cannot expect to mine mid season Drafts or late picks. That we have done well, but it is not sustainable. We just must get more collateral and more talent.

I thought this thread was about welcoming and commenting on young James who made a really strong debut.

 

[Topiary]

I thought this thread was about welcoming and commenting on young James who made a really strong debut.

I think I said all of that.

 

[MrPremiership]

Got out-bodied a bit, but not hanging him for that.'

We've got a player here.

Should be ahead of Hartigan from here and play rest of the year

 

[CHUBBSS]

bit suprised someone his size with his pace has taken so long to get on an afl list, plenty of worst big guys in the league atm

 

[Easy Slips Catch]

Saw nothing to suggest he does not have the size and athleticism to make it. Very, very promising.

 

[OsakaHawk]

Did some good things and will be better for the experience, was outpointed on a few occasions but that isn't expected for a young key defender on debut.

Think you missed your double negative hodgey, assuming you did I agree

 

[RobHawk]

Think you missed your double negative hodgey, assuming you did I agree

Hodgeyroad going for the double negative rather than the single positive. Colour me surprised.

 

[StillAtLarge]

Decent in the contest but I was surprised by how assured he was in possession. Promising start for sure

 

[The Cryptkeeper]

Looked good. Early days but very promising signs.

 

[TassieGrown]

Good 1st game, looked calm and was good skill wise under pressure. Showed enough to play out the rest of the season

 

[PenAndPaper]

Keep him in. Confident with the ball, confident to run off his man and quick for his size.

 

[Collins-Langford-Ayres]

Very pleased with his first up game and has a bit of Lakey about him, providing some extras if he gets out-marked.

Would love him to grow another cm or two.

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Very pleased with his first up game and has a bit of Lakey about him, providing some extras if he gets out-marked.

Would love him to grow another cm or two.

He’s 197cm. Doesn’t need much growing and probably won’t.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

 

[matey]

First time I have seen him play. Shows a lot of genuine emotion and will not die wondering in his career as a footballer!

 

[Mrzohs]

Has earnt my vote to warrant a block of matches together. Held his own one on one, tough and quick.

First look he was more composed with the ball than Hartigan or Frost.

 

[CHUBBSS]

First game as a kpd at AFL and looks great, already gone past Hartigan for mine, and not even from a development perspective

 

[Yuley95]

The fabled 36 delivers again

 

[theiaofseed]

First game as a kpd at AFL and looks great, already gone past Hartigan for mine, and not even from a development perspective

Hartigan was awful in the VFL on the weekend.

Certainly has a leap.

 

[B&GBlood]

He is a keeper