Hawthorn's chances in 2007?

[Sojourner]

I dont tip Hawthorn as a side that seems to show alot of promise towards making the eight this year, which is a shame because they were once a side that had a massive number of members and enjoyed alot of support in Victoria, yet as their form has dropped away many of their fairweather supporters also have dropped away.

I was told by a Hawthorn member who is a mate of mine that Alistair Clarkson was brought into the club specifically to put in a number of junior players and build up the list to a level that Leigh Matthews can do something with, then Clarkson is to get the sack, Matthews to coach Hawthorn and then Malcolm Blight made an offer to coach Brisbane.

Clarkson certainley did a good job with Central, yet it is my thoughts that he let Neumann in particular on the Footy show give him a little to much sh*t when he openly attempted to make him look a fool. I think Clarkson would have done better to tell him quite bluntly where to go in that interview!

[McAlmanac]

I dont tip Hawthorn as a side that seems to show alot of promise towards making the eight this year, which is a shame because they were once a side that had a massive number of members and enjoyed alot of support in Victoria, yet as their form has dropped away many of their fairweather supporters also have dropped away.

I was told by a Hawthorn member who is a mate of mine that Alistair Clarkson was brought into the club specifically to put in a number of junior players and build up the list to a level that Leigh Matthews can do something with, then Clarkson is to get the sack, Matthews to coach Hawthorn and then Malcolm Blight made an offer to coach Brisbane.

Clarkson certainley did a good job with Central, yet it is my thoughts that he let Neumann in particular on the Footy show give him a little to much sh*t when he openly attempted to make him look a fool. I think Clarkson would have done better to tell him quite bluntly where to go in that interview!

Take somebody with you if you go to buy a used car.

[brod]

I think that the young players of the Hawks have the potential to be AFL players, but need the older heads around them, which is where the Hawks are letting themselves down. The whole physical thing for them is just not working. The are tending to be player first rather than the footy.
If a couple more of these younger players come through and there is the support and leadership from the more mature players the Hawks are a definite finals contender this year, if not its another year waiting for a quality youngster from the draft. Lots of ifs - especially if you are a supporter such as myself.
Ill give them the benefit and a finals birth in 2007

[mypaddock]

I dont tip Hawthorn as a side that seems to show alot of promise towards making the eight this year, which is a shame because they were once a side that had a massive number of members and enjoyed alot of support in Victoria, yet as their form has dropped away many of their fairweather supporters also have dropped away.

I was told by a Hawthorn member who is a mate of mine that Alistair Clarkson was brought into the club specifically to put in a number of junior players and build up the list to a level that Leigh Matthews can do something with, then Clarkson is to get the sack, Matthews to coach Hawthorn and then Malcolm Blight made an offer to coach Brisbane.

Clarkson certainley did a good job with Central, yet it is my thoughts that he let Neumann in particular on the Footy show give him a little to much sh*t when he openly attempted to make him look a fool. I think Clarkson would have done better to tell him quite bluntly where to go in that interview!

Anybody could have coached centrals to a grand final in the lasy five years!
They do have some good young players- Buddy franklin will be a superstar.

[Dutchy]

Hawks will be OK early but can see them struggling as the "second year blues" comes to play mid season...long term they are going to OK but can see them taking 1 step back before 2 steps ahead....they really do lack the experienced 30 yo players that can get you over the line in the tight games mid year...8th - 12th for me

Plus hasnt Matthews just signed a multi year deal up at the Lions?

[ORDoubleBlues]

I'd be quite confident that they can sneak into the eight.
The main concern I'd have for them though is in the Ruck department.

[SimonH]

Good at their best, but I expect will still be lacking in consistency. 9-12 for mine... or possibly worse if they get badly injury hit/some youngsters fail to develop. It'd be nice for their supporters to think they had improved enough to make the 8, but it's pretty hard to make a credible list of 8 teams who are going to finish below them.

[Rik E Boy]

I dont tip Hawthorn as a side that seems to show alot of promise towards making the eight this year, which is a shame because they were once a side that had a massive number of members and enjoyed alot of support in Victoria, yet as their form has dropped away many of their fairweather supporters also have dropped away.

I tip the Hawks to improve slightly but just miss the eight. They will start off the season a little unsettled and recent history has shown that the Hawks can get into lenghty losing runs and the occasional winning run as well. Not too sure how you can comment on 'Fairweather supporters' at this time of year as everyone should be up at the mo, except for maybe Roos fans who have just lost their gun forward.

I was told by a Hawthorn member who is a mate of mine that Alistair Clarkson was brought into the club specifically to put in a number of junior players and build up the list to a level that Leigh Matthews can do something with, then Clarkson is to get the sack, Matthews to coach Hawthorn and then Malcolm Blight made an offer to coach Brisbane.

No offence but this sounds like a crock of shit and sells Clarkson short quite considerably IMO. I can't see Lethal coming back to Hawthorn because a Bribane member who is a mate of mine said it woudn't happen.

Clarkson certainley did a good job with Central, yet it is my thoughts that he let Neumann in particular on the Footy show give him a little to much sh*t when he openly attempted to make him look a fool. I think Clarkson would have done better to tell him quite bluntly where to go in that interview!


Taking anything on the appalling Footy Show seriously is like believing in the Chastity of Paris Hilton.

Sorry Soj, but I'm not convinced. Judging a side's capabilities based on the Footy Show and what members think is fraught with danger and Macs response probably sums it up. Hawthorn have a good midfield and an emerging star in Lance Franklin who could be anything this season. I see them a little weak down back and Clarkson is possibly burning Zac Dawson but on their day the Hawks can beat anyone. I'm not a fan of the Poo and Gold and would love to see them bottom out but I think they'll finish 9th this year.

regards,

REB