As we begin 2018, SEN will be dissecting each AFL club’s Best 22 leading into Round 1. We continue the series looking at how Hawthorn is shaping up.
Is there a harder team to predict this year than the Hawks?
Even though they missed the finals for the first time since 2009 last season, you can never doubt a team led by Alastair Clarkson.
After injuries forced numerous positional changes to the usually stable Hawthorn line-up, how Clarkson shuffles his magnets this year will be fascinating.
The backline should look a lot more familiar, as stalwarts Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton and James Frawley all return.
That trio played just 21 combined games in 2017, and their return will be welcomed with open arms. However, the flow-on effect it has on the rest of the squad will be interesting.
James Sicily was relocated into defence last season, and it proved to be one of the best tactical shifts of the campaign. Across his final 10 games, the 23-year-old averaged 8.5 intercept possessions, so it would hard to resist starting him as a rebounding defender.
Jack Gunston was also moved back near the end of the year to cover the absence of Birchall, Stratton and Frawley. However, with their return, it’s hard to find room for Gunston, so expect him to be moved back into the forward half.
Another switch we saw was Taylor Duryea being utilised as a defensive forward, applying that all-important pressure around goal. Clarkson can use him at either end on a horses-for-courses basis.
The rest of the forward line’s effectiveness will be pinned on how healthy they stay.
Cyril Rioli is a game changer and his presence was sorely missed last season, as he played just seven games. Fellow small forward Paul Puopolo will be hoping for a fit season, which should see his influence increase.
The injection of former Port Adelaide speedster Jarman Impey will also assist the forward half, adding an extra layer of pace and, hopefully, defensive pressure.
Hawthorn’s midfield remains somewhat of a question mark.
Tom Mitchell is a star and will continue to rack up possessions at astronomical levels. Isaac Smith and Liam Shields are always honest contributors, while Ryan Burton could also see some more time in the engine room.
Jaeger O’Meara is the big x-factor. If he stars fit, he could easily reach an A-grade level, but does anyone trust his knees? It’s hard to say yes.
Best 22:
B: Grant Birchall, Kaiden Brand, Ben Stratton
HB: Shaun Burgoyne, James Frawley, Ryan Burton
C: Isaac Smith, Tom Mitchell, Jack Gunston
HF: Jarman Impey, Tim O'Brien, Luke Breust
F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
FOLL: Ben McEvoy, Jaeger O’Meara, Liam Shiels
INT: Daniel Howe, Taylor Duryea, James Sicily, Blake Hardwick