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.
Head to the bottom of the page to cast your votes for your three key forwards.
Ryan Burton
Age: 18
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 90 kg
Games: 0
Hawthorn's first pick in last year's draft (pick 19), Burton's aim will be to return to footy after a broken leg kept him out of action in 2015. Strong on the lead and a good kick for goal, the 18-year-old forward has been compared to fellow Hawk, Jack Gunston.
Jack Gunston
Age: 24
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 85 kg
Games: 103
Gunston backed uo his superb 2014 season last year, playing 24 games and kicking 57 goals. The sharp-shooter kicked multiple goals on 16 occasions, including four in the grand final after missing the preceeding two finals through injury.
Tim O'Brien
Age: 21
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Games: 4
After making his AFL debut in 2014, O'Brien was forced to bide his time at VFL level last season. But after a consistent season, the mobile, strong-marking forward will be looking to push for a senior berth in 2016.
Jarryd Roughead
Age: 29
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 98 kg
Games: 231
Vice-captain Roughead continues to lead from the front, producing his third consecutive 50-plus goal season in 2015. With his athleticism, power and ability to win the ball in the air or at ground level, Roughead is bound to cause more headaches for opposition defenders in 2016.
Ryan Schoenmakers
Age: 25
Height: 195 cm
Weight: 91 kg
Games: 95
After being in and out of the side during the home-and-away season, Schoenmakers starred on the final day of the season in 2015, playing a key role in the Hawks' premiership triumph. Will be looking to cement himself in the line-up in 2016 after a brilliant finals campaign.
Shem Tatupu
Age: 20
Height: 197 cm
Weight: 100 kg
Games: 0
A Category B rookie from New Zealand, key forward Tatupu broke into the senior VFL side last season, providing a strong forward target. Will hope to continue his development in 2016.
