HAWTHORN’S depth has been on show in the first half of the VFL season, with both the Box Hill Hawks’ Senior and Development sides sitting on top of their respective ladders at the end of Round 11.
A number of Hawks have played starring roles for VFL affiliate Box Hill and are pushing hard for senior selection.
Head of Development Academy Damian Carroll, Box Hill Hawks Senior Coach Marco Bello and Development Coach Rob McCartney have been keeping a close eye on Hawthorn’s first to fourth year players.
In this two-part feature, we take a look at their thoughts on the developing Hawks’ seasons so far.
Today we take a look at the club’s first-year draftees – and first-year Hawk Jonathan O’Rourke.
Jared Hardisty
VFL Senior games: 3
VFL Development games: 5
Damian Carroll says…
“Jared’s a young inside midfielder who has been playing at development level for Box Hill, probably more due to the strength of the midfield at Box Hill senior level, which has made it hard for him to get opportunities.
In the development side, he’s averaged 25 possessions per game and he’s been really effective with the football and strong around the clearances.
We’ll be looking for Jared to get some opportunity at Box Hill senior level in the second half of the year and continue to progress with his football from there.”
Daniel Howe
AFL games: 1
VFL Senior games: 6
VFL Development games: 1
Damian Carroll says…
“We’ve been really pleased with Dan’s progress through the first half of the year.
He started as a defender, but he’s been moved to more of an inside-midfield role at VFL level.
Obviously he got his chance at AFL level against theGold Coast Suns a few weeks ago.
We’re really hopeful he can continue his development, keep working on his inside midfield work this season and hopefully get another opportunity at AFL level throughout the course of the year.
He’s certainly ready to play more senior footy.”
Lachlan Langford
VFL Development games: 8
Rob McCartney says…
“Lachie joined us through the Rookie Draft after playing limited football in 2014.
A strong focus through the pre-season for him was to build the fitness and strength that will allow him to compete against players at the elite level.
Lachie has started the year playing at development level. While playing as a forward he has demonstrated that he reads the play well, is a capable overhead mark and is dangerous around the goals.
In recent weeks he has had the opportunity to play on the wing. This move is important for his overall development, as it is building his capacity to win both inside and outside football.”
Teia Miles
VFL Senior games: 8
Damian Carroll says…
“Teia was the AFL emergency last week and that’s a real reward for his consistency across the season so far.
He’s played mainly as a small defender, but he’s also been able to go forward and show that he has ability in that half of the ground.
From our ratings that we give the players, he’s performed at the level we expect every week.
That’s really pleasing - he’s been able to show that consistency and that he can play in a variety of positions, which gives him more chance of moving into the AFL.”
Jermaine Miller-Lewis
VFL Development games: 6
Rob McCartney says…
“Jermaine is currently playing at development level.
In the early part of the season Jermaine played predominantly as a forward, using his leg speed to pressure the opposition and keep the ball in our forward half.
In recent weeks we’ve pushed him up to the wing and this has allowed him to play with a more attacking instinct.
He’s starting to win more of the footy, taking the opposition on with his side step and playing with the confidence that will see his game develop.
I’m sure we’ll see the best of him in the second half of the season.”
Jonathan O’Rourke
AFL games: 1
VFL Senior games: 9
Marco Bello says…
“Jono has played nine games at VFL this season and is averaging 22 disposals per game – his hunt on the ball is terrific and he’s balancing that a bit more with some uncontested footy (on the outside).
He is mainly playing as a midfielder but has had stints up forward and in probably his best game he kicked three goals against Port Melbourne.
We’re really pleased with his progress.”
Marc Pittonet
VFL Senior games: 8
Marco Bello says…
“It’s Pitto’s first year at the club and he has played every game to date as a ruck/forward.
At times he’s had to do it alone, but over the last month he’s had the likes of Ben McEvoy and David Hale helping him with his craft.
He’s developed as the season has gone on into a really good ruckman as well as going forward – he finished with a season-high two goals against the Northern Blues.”
