<cite>UPDATED: We are lucky to have not one review but two! Thanks to port_leschenault</cite>and Hawks2008 for sending in their reviews on the Hawks.

Hawthorn Review          By Hawks2008

Well 2012 has been a mostly very enjoyable year as a Hawks fan, a year that has seen the club finally live up to the hype and expectations placed on it in the pre season. Hawthorns campaign got off too a rocky start, seeing narrow losses to Geelong and West Coast in the first few weeks, followed by embarrassing defeats at the hands of the Swans and Tigers, prompting many (including myself) to wonder if this group would ever really live up to their true potential. Since that loss to Richmond in round 9 however, the club has gone 12 – 1 and in turn secured its first minor premiership in 23 years. As we know though, finishing first on the ladder means nothing if you cant lift the cup at the end of the year, so here’s hoping the boys salute on the last day in September!

Here’s a look at the good, the bad and the ones to watch for Hawthorn players from a Supercoach perspective.

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THE GOOD

 Buddy Franklin

Average: 116       

2013 price: $613,536

 I know, I know, he burned many of us throughout the latter stages of SC this year, when a one week niggle turned into a car crash, a tummy ache and a countless amount of rumours that left us wishing we had of traded the big budwah weeks ago. But the numbers don’t lie in fantasy footy and for a key forward, they don’t get much better. Buddy averaged the third highest points of any forward this year, behind only Dangerfield and Beams. On 10 of the 16 occasions he managed to don the brown and gold, he cracked the ton (including a solid 112 in the grand final), also managing two 89’s and a 99. And of course, who could forget that awe inspiring effort against North in Tassie were Lance bagged 13 goals and a mammoth score of 236, the highest by any player this year. I think 2012 was a year were we saw Buddy mature a lot as a player, a year which saw him a little less selfish and more conscious of his team-mates, evident in the fact that he averaged the third most assists (1.2) in the competition. This in turn saw a more consistent return points wise from him, even early in the year when he wasn’t kicking goals. Giving away frees remains an issue for Buddy, but I think if he can work hard on stamping that component out of his game and keep himself on the park, we can expect a 120-130 average from him next year.

Sam Mitchell

Average: 111     

2013 price: $588,367

 A clear favourite to take home his 4th best and fairest this year, Mitchell has, as always, been hard and strong in the midfield for the hawks in 2012. He is a very even player across the board, averaging 5.3 tackles, 6.2 clearances 1 assist and 26 touches a game at 75% efficiency, all elite numbers. Sam is arguably the most important player in this Hawthorn team, with his ability to extract the ball from the pack, evade opponents and seemingly rack up clearances at will the highlight of his game. Mitch saw a few higher scores this year than he has in previously and unfortunately a couple of low ones as well (notably against Sydney) when I think it was clear that he was not playing with 100% fitness. Despite the games against Sydney, it was a very consistent year for Sam. It was a year that saw him play 21 games, scoring over 100 on 15 occasions, including 8 scores of 120 or more. His best game came against the bulldogs were he racked up 34 possessions and scored 158. Next year will be Sam’s 11th in the AFL system, but don’t expect him to be slowing down any time soon. There’s nothing fancy about his game, but he gets the job done week in week out and the way he attacks the ball brings a tear to the eye. He should prove to be a good POD yet again in 2013.

 Jarryd Roughead 

Average: 104

2013 price: $550,854

 ACL? What ACL? In a seamless return to AFL footy, ‘Roughy’ was a star for the hawks this year, both in the forward line and pinch-hitting in the ruck. As with Buddy, I think we saw him grow as a leader in 2012, helping out the young guys with words of advice and being more vocal on field, which in turn saw probably his best year of footy to date. Eligible as both a Ruck and Forward in SC, he only dipped below 88 on one occasion, bagging 40 goals and playing every game except one from round 2 onwards. Unlike many other big men in the game, Roughy showed he has the ability to score very respectably when he doesn’t hit the scoreboard, averaging 94 over the four games he dint manage any sausage rolls. Roughy’s intensity around the contest and the way he attacks the ball is great to watch and I’m sure those of you who took the punt on him were very glad with his output.

The Bad

 Shaun Burgoyne

Average: 82

2013 Price: $436,596

Whilst 2012 was a very good year for Shaun Burgoyne from a team perspective, it was a frustrating year to say the least in Supercoach. I’m sure those of you who selected him in your team had visions of his silky skills rebounding out of the backline, or brilliant stints in the midfield, possibly relieving his prime year at Port Adelaide. Though that was not really the way it panned out. Shaun spent most of his time in defence, often playing lockdown roles on small/medium forwards and was rarely released into the midfield. What made him such a frustrating player to have was that we knew his potential was very high and when he had extended periods around the ball, like the Brisbane game were he bagged 137 from 24 touches, he was very good. Though those stints in the midfield were to few and far between, making him a very unpredictable scorer. He scored 70 or below on 8 occasions, including a cringe worthy 45 in the SC preliminary final, though at the same time was over 90 on 8 occasions, highlighting his inconsistency. It seemed every time he churned out a reasonable score and it looked like he’d turned the corner, a stinker would follow next week, making it very hard to get rid of him, knowing what he was capable of. This was a disappointing year for Burgoyne owners and only 4 scores above 100 is simply unacceptable for a ‘premium’. If you value your sanity, I would avid him next year.

Matt Suckling

Average: 83

2013 Price: $439,206


For many it was a choice between Birchall and Suckling in defence this year and whilst one enjoyed a very consistent, All Australian year, the other was very up and down. Suckling was one of the real bolters in SC last year, averaging 91 at a starting price of $212k, prompting many to think he would raise his game to the next level this year after cementing his place in the Hawthorn side, and possibly becoming an elite defender with his deadly left boot. Like Shaun Burgoyne, Suckling had a painfully inconsistent year, shocking scores of 48, 30, 43 and 49 being rounded off with some very good games, with 120, 119, 111 and 110 being his best. Whilst when his confidence is up he is arguably the best kick in the competition, he can also have some howlers. Because he kicks the ball so long and low and his technique is fairly unorthodox, when he miss times it he can have some real shanks. Suckling also struggles sometime kicking the ball short distances under pressure, perhaps because he’s more used to hitting it long. I would stay away next year.

 Liam Shiels

Average: 70

2013 Price: $373,238


Great year as a player, horrible year in SC. Like Suckling, he cemented his place in the side last year and had a very respectable average of 91, playing all 22 games, up from a combined 17 in 2009 and 2010.  Shielsy is a great team player who tackles ferociously (4.7 average a game) and always goes in to the contest as hard as he can, a fearless competitor. Unfortunately for those who selected him as a POD this year however, he saw a role change. Shiels was predominately used as a tagger this year, mostly playing lock down roles on the opposition’s best midfielder. This didnt mean he saw none of the ball, in fact having 20+ disposals on 9 occasions, though his numbers in SC were much down on last year. Scores of 45, 43, 48, 52, 55, 53 and 15 were not good at all and even when he did manage to get his hand on the pill he failed to have a big impact, scoring over 90 just 5 times and only raising the bat once. Those numbers do look awful, and they are, though as I said it was a different year for him this year and he still was a very important part of the hawks finishing atop the ladder. Don’t ride Shielsy off just yet however, and as the club looks to transition from the Hodge, Mitchell and Sewell years into the next era, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become elite.

 2013 Watchlist

Xavier Ellis

2013 Price: $250,726

Here’s a real smoky for you. Ellis is listed as a defender in Supercoach, though you that’s not often were you’ll find him on the rare occasions he manages to get himself out on the park (Ellis is actually Welsh for ‘long term injury’). Ellis will definitely be a player on my radar next year. He is loved by Clarko, especially after his 2008 grand final performance, and with the unfortunate ACL injury Brendan Whitecross suffered against the pies, this looks like the perfect opportunity for X to try and establish his spot in the side after a couple of frustrating, injury plagued years. Let’s not forget, Ellis was taken with pick number 3 in the 2005 draft, so he has some serious talent and knows how to find the footy. He scored a solid 97 and 80 in his only two full games this year and in and at his best averaged in the mid 70’s in 2010. I think Shane Savage will be the other player fighting for the Whitecross role, so we’ll see how the two go for the rest of the finals and if they can keep themselves in the team with a couple of players still yet to come in. Keep your eye on him in the pre-season.

 Luke Breust

2013 Price: $455,567

This guy is going to be an absolute star. Brought in as the sub midway through last year as a result of a few injuries, his ability to kick goals and have an impact on the game was brilliant; especially considering he rugby grew up playing rugby. When Luke isn’t kicking goals, his forward pressure is great (4.3 tackles a game) and is a very team oriented player who is ranked highly in assists (23 for the year, equal 3rd in the comp). Dubbed the ‘White Cyril’ by Hawks fans, Breust has an innate sense of where the big sticks are, scoring multiple goals 12 rounds in a row (between rounds 8 – 20), highlighted by his superb 5 goal effort against the pies, finishing with 39 for the season. I think it’s fair to say no second year blues? With a few of the hawks mids getting a tad long in the tooth, I think we can expect more time in the centre for Breust in 2013, especially if he works on his tank over the pre-season. He had arguably his best game for the club in the qualifying final and was released into the midfield at different times during the game, booting two goals and scoring a team high 128 Supercoach points. I think this game is a sign of things to come in 2013 for Luke and he will push a 100 point average next year. As with Ellis, track his form over the NAB cup and if it looks like he’s getting more mid time, jump on.

Taylor Duryea

2013 Price: $100,000

It will be very tough for rookies to break into the Hawthorn team next year but I thought I’d chuck one in anyway. I’ll be honest and say I haven’t seen much of Box hill this year, but from all reports Taylor had a very good year down there, named in the best many times. He was rewarded with this form by being named in the emergencies for the Hawks a few times, which left a few surprised that Clarko didn’t just give him a game against a GWS or Gold Coast, so he could get a taste for AFL footy. In a Q and A on the hawthorn website, he said that he models his game on Brent Guerra who is a bit of a mentor for him, so maybe when Goo retires he will take over his spot in the backline. I’m not saying lock him in from day one, in fact far from it, but if there are a few injuries/suspensions next year and he continues to impress at Box Hill he could get his chance. Also look for Alex Woodward, a classy inside mid who is rated very highly internally, coming of a season ending injury in the NAB cup.

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HAWTHORN REVIEW BY <cite>port_leschenault</cite>

Hawks have had a great season and SC is reflective of that with 14 players managing to have an average of 80 or more, the 2nd best in the league (after Freo with 16 believe it or not, Lyin the great sander, who knew) which shows how well they spread the load around and just how many players stepped up to do well each week. Despite a slow start (2 wins-3 losses) to the season the Hawks showed why they were early premiership favourites winning the rest of their games bar 2 and with dominating performances, averaged a massive 121 points a game on their way to winning their first McClelland trophy since 1991, the first time it was awarded.
So below is a recap of some of the players, thankfully it was a mostly positive season, so plenty of happy things to write about!

~GOOD~

Sam Mitchell
2012 Avg: 110.8
2011 Avg: 113.5
He may have been snubbed for AA selection but Hawks fans had no doubt on who was the star of their season. Sam proved once again how vital he is to the team in the engine room as it was his workload that was pivotal to midfield dominance. His SC average was down slightly on 2011 but he still produced an elite (just!) return for a mid and he played an extra game, meaning he scored more points for those who had him from the start. 8 games of 120+ pts, only 7 games under the century mark and only 2 of those were less than 80 points. Sam was super consistent, maybe not to the heady heights of Ablett or Swan but he was a solid pick for SCers as a prem and an integral part of the Hawk’s side. He will start next season on the wrong side of 30 (for a footballer!) but I see no reason why he won’t maintain his scores next season.

Grant Birchall
2012 Avg: 94.7
2011 Avg: 94
Was in many people’s teams as a predicted gun in the defence and Birchall did not disappoint his owners, playing 20 games over the season and becoming the 5th best defender on average. He accumulated 9 centuries including a 134 score against Port but his scoring was consistent, racking up many 90s and only few sub-80 games. One of the most important players for the Hawks, his run off the back and rebounding is pivotal to the Hawks success and the All-Australian who is still only 24 should have the same season next year.
?
Jarryd Roughead
2012 Avg: 104.1
2011 Avg: 101.5
Under the radar a bit and always in Buddy’s shadow but Roughie had an excellent season, nothing short of fantastic. With Bailey out of the side Roughead tagged teamed tap duties again with Hale and it paid off for both players but Jarryd was the biggest beneficiary SC loves rucks and he was no expectation, in 20 games for the whole season his lowest score would be 64. He went over 120 five times, 100 eleven times and his second lowest score was 88. Great season from Roughie, would have been a great acquisition if you went for him and the potential is there to do more of the same next year.

Cyril Rioli
2012 Avg: 98.6
2011 Avg: 99.6
The excitement machine that is Cyril never did end up playing that major midfield role that was touted all during the pre-season but he still had a great season for the Hawks nonetheless, only slightly down on his average of 2011. He did have an improved season injuries wise, with no flare ups of his infamous dodgy hammies and he played 20 games, the best since his debut season. As is typical of a small forward, Rioli’s score fluctuate badly, with 3 scores under 60 but he more than made up for that when he turned it on, which was more often than not. He scored over 110 eight times including a massive 159 against GWS. An absolute star, Delicious will be talked about as a prem for many pre-seasons to come.

Jordan Lewis
2012 Avg: 96
2011 Avg: 90.9
2012 was the first season that Lewis became a dual position player, getting forward eligibility as well. This enabled him to go from below-premium status as a midfielder to a premium selection in the forward line. Those that picked him as a M/F over the more popular Martin would have been happy too as he improved his average by 5 points making him a good choice all year. The hard nut was ever-present in the Hawk’s mid and was always handy to kick a least a goal every game, making him a valuable player and important cog in the 22. Jordan still has much to offer the Hawks so should he keep his forward positioning, will be a worthy pick again.

David Hale
2012 Avg: 95.6
2011 Avg: 75
The Spud that everyone laughed at when he was recycled by the Hawks built on a solid 2011 with a massive jump in his SC output, coming into contention to be a veritable player in fantasy manager’s forward lines. Like mentioned above, Hale combined well in the rucks with Roughie and the two both played in the forward line as well as a target up front, helping with the goal-kicking. Hale finished the year as the 15th best forward on average which is an impressive return from the big man and, providing his body holds up, there’s no reason he can’t repeat next season.

~BAD~

Luke Hodge
2012 Avg: 85.9
2011 Avg: 106.5
Hodge had a terrible year in 2012 and was constantly injured with calf injuries, knee injuries, medial ligament sprain, swelling and even gastro thrown in for good measure. He only managed 8 games for the season but he did manage to score over a hundred in three of these so he is still the class player he always was, just drunk from Bailey’s brittle cup this year. One can only hope that The General has a better season next year and at an 86avg he could end up being a mid-price bargain in the mids or a certain lock if he gets DPP again.

Matt Suckling
2012 Avg: 82.7
2011 Avg: 90.8
Such a disappointing season from a guy with one of the most lethal left boots in football. Like Birchall in the preseason, Suckers was meant to be a choice prem lock down back. Unlike Birchall he didn’t improve or even have the season he had in 2011. His kicking wasn’t as good or penetrating, his time collecting the ball out of defence reduced and his SC scores suffered, which made him a dud pick for a year-long prem selection. He did score over 100 eight times so the talent is there but those that brought him on the cheap later in the season were rewarded with a few 40s. Did better comparatively in DreamTeam but that’s no good to us! Will be a cheaper defensive POD next season but the risk of another 2012 is there.

Paul Puopolo
2012 Avg: 58.7
2011 Avg: 81.1
After a promising first season as a mature-age recruit Poops suffered from second season blues just like a rookie. Early season injuries, green vest virus and a new role as a defensive forward saw his scores suffer this year. Still, a 5-goal, 136SC game against the Teal Training Cones in round 20 would have been a highlight for the bloke.

~UGLY~

Lance Franklin
2012 Avg: 115.5
2011 Avg: 110.8
So why is the Hawks best player on SC average (115.5) in here? Because he missed 6 games and for myself (like a lot of SCers), whilst it was great to see him get 236 against North in Round 10, his absence completely screwed us over and our teams got ugly for the rest of the season, which by the time he came back it was too late, finals were in full swing and everyone was laughing at us in the loser finals. So thanks a lot Buddy you will always have a grudge and black mark against you now from many of you former fans, regardless of your amazing knack to kick goals. Oh you’re going to kick a bag of 6 (and no bloody hooks!) in the GF and win us the flag, ok, I might forgive you….

Max Bailey
2012 Avg: 76.5 (2 games)
2011 Avg: 72.7
Ok so this may be harsh on the kid man but c’mon his season has been a disaster. After finally getting some game time last year after 3 knee reconstructions he was set for his first full preseason and there were a few picking him to explode as a genuine ruck. This all came to an abrupt halt when he aggravated an old wrist injury requiring 12 games out. It wasn’t until round 18 that he made his 2012 debut and then was soon out of the side with illness then altogether when the Hale-Roughie combo was doing more than enough.
The kid guy is just brittle, the AFL’s bubble boy. I think the Hawks patience with him needs to end. Either delist him or trade him to another club, possibly Royal Melbourne.

Ones to Watch (aside from Hodge)

Luke Breust
2012 Average: 85.8
Break out year for Breuuuuust as a forward and he excelled as a one of the guys needed to apply forward pressure. Normally a deadly kick too Breust is effective on the scoreboard as well, being the 3rd best goal-scorer at the club. He should improve again next season, even potentially getting more midfield time, making him an ominous selection in the forward line.

Liam Shiels
2012 Average: 70
He had a bad year in Supercoach but as a midfielder he is going to be down the pecking order with Mitchell, Sewell, Hodge, Lewis etc in front. Don’t discount him though, he’s hugely talented and will be an important part of transitioning at the club, which could see him land more of an important role come next season.

Alex Woodward
Didn’t get a chance at all to play for the Hawks in his first season as he needed a knee reco from a knock he got in the first pre-season match! Terrible luck but Alex is a hard-working midfielder, attacks the footy strongly and has a good head on his shoulders. Should get some game time next year and is one to watch for the future.