THERE’S bound to be plenty of competition for senior spots at Hawthorn over the next two months as the team ramps up preparations for the 2016 season.
But who do YOU think should line up against Geelong Cats in our season opener on Easter Monday at the MCG?
We want to know what you think – and based on the structure of last year’s premiership team, you can vote for your best 22.
Pick the three key defenders, four medium/small defenders, two ruckmen, six midfielders, four medium/small forwards and three key forwards you want to see run out in the brown and gold in Round 1.
To kick things off, here are your key defensive options…
Head to the bottom of the page to cast your votes.
Kaiden Brand
Age: 21
Height: 198 cm
Weight: 92 kg
Games: 0
Brand missed all of last year with shoulder injuries, the first sustained during the NAB Challenge, but was raring to go on the first day of pre-season.
In 2014, he played every game for Box Hill Hawks, predominantly at full back, but has good pace and can play on talls and smalls.
James Frawley
Age: 27
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 94 kg
Games: 157
Entering his second year at the club, Frawley proved his credentials as one of the competition’s elite lockdown defenders by keeping Coleman Medallist Josh Kennedy goalless in last year’s premiership win.
He featured 18 times at AFL level in 2015, also performing strongly in the semi final against Adelaide’s Taylor Walker and preliminary final against Fremantle’s Matthew Pavlich.
Josh Gibson
Age: 31
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 93 kg
Games: 190
Gibson has had some pretty good years at AFL level, but last year was arguably his best.
Playing a variety of roles in defence, he earned All Australian selection for the first time, won a second Peter Crimmins Medal and picked up a third premiership medallion.
The ultimate team player, Gibson featured on 25 occasions, averaging 21.9 disposals, 8.3 marks and 6.8 one-percenters per game – while spending 98.9 percent of those games on the field.
Kurt Heatherley
Age: 21
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 89 kg
Games: 0
Promoted off the rookie list at the end of last year, New Zealander Heatherley will be looking to push for a senior debut this year.
He played 20 matches for Box Hill Hawks in 2015, impressing with his speed and lateral movement, and developed his game against the likes of AFL-listed forwards including North Melbourne duo Majak Daw and Aaron Black.
Matt Spangher
Age: 28
Height: 195 cm
Weight: 95 kg
Games: 55
After an injury-interrupted year, fan favourite Spangher will be determined to bounce back in 2016.
He played just four AFL games in 2015, plus eight VFL matches, and offers another mobile defensive option who can play on the big forwards.
