NO ONE would blame Matt Spangher for feeling hard done by after missing out on premiership success with three clubs.
He was at the Eagles for their flag in 2006, at the Swans in 2012 and watched on as his Hawthorn teammates saluted at the end of last year.
He’s unlucky, no doubt, but he doesn’t see it that way.
For Spangher, who has become a cult hero among Hawthorn fans this year, it’s all about the team and contributing in any way he can to success.
He’s the ultimate team player even though obviously would have loved to be playing on that last Saturday in September on each of those three occasions.
“You strive to be there but if you can contribute in any way to the boys having success, then that’s the ultimate team role,” Spangher told hawthornfc.com.au
“That’s what I hang my hat on.”
Those misses are what’s driving him this year though, but interestingly aren’t his only motivator.
“Probably the misses that I’ve had (drive me),” he said. “I’ve missed out on a couple.
“(But) Hawthorn gave me the opportunity to keep playing so the opportunity to pay them back, that’s what’s driving me.”
Spangher, 27, played in last year’s Qualifying Final win over Sydney before missing out on selection in the Preliminary and Grand Finals.
He has emerged this season though as a key player in Hawthorn’s make-up, filling a key post down back.
His role has freed up Josh Gibson to play a more attacking role to use his offensive weapons to create drive off half-back, not to mention he has been outstanding in shutting down opposition forwards.
Spangher was important in the Qualifying Final victory over Geelong, cutting off Cat attacks by taking marks off the boot of the opposition and creating drive off half-back.
He can also be swung forward, versatility that Coach Alastair Clarkson just loves in his players.
Whether it’s down back or up forward though, he’s is just happy to be contributing.
“I’m probably in a better position than last year because I’ve been a bit more solid down back and have played a few more games as a solid six or seven,” he said.
“I’m not really a flashy player so I just come in and do my role – if I need to lock someone down then that’s what I need to do for the team.
“The message (from Clarkson) is consistent with what I want to achieve, which is good to be on that same page.”
