In brief
AFL matches: 4
Average disposals per game: 11.2
VFL matches: 8
Average disposals per game: 9
Review
FOLLOWING the high of being a premiership player in 2014, Matt Spangher was heavily restricted by injuries this season.
The 28-year-old swingman played 15 matches last season, but managed just four in 2015, plus eight matches at VFL level.
After a limited pre-season due to injury, Spangher returned to play Round 1 in the VFL, but sustained a hamstring injury that saw him sidelined for six weeks.
He returned for Box Hill Hawks in Round 8, building fitness and stringing together some consistent performances.
An AFL opportunity arose in Round 14 against Collingwood, with Spangher playing a key role in defence before being subbed out late in the narrow win.
He backed up that effort with strong performances against Fremantle the following week, and Sydney the week after.
But injury struck again in Round 17, with Spangher sidelined for another month.
He returned for the final match of Box Hill’s home-and-away season, before playing in all three VFL finals, including the Hawks’ grand final loss to Williamstown.
The mobile key position player was named as the Hawks’ best in their preliminary final against Sandringham, kicking the first goal of the game before playing an influential role across half back.
GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan says...
“Injury ruined his season really,” Fagan said.
“He had a lot of soft tissue problems this year, which sort of prevented him from making a really strong challenge for a spot in the AFL team for the finals, which I know was disappointing for him.
“Hopefully he can have a really solid pre-season, and touch wood he should. Last year I think he only did about 40 per cent of the pre-season, which really set him back, and I think he’s really set to go for the pre-season.
“If he can get 75 to 80 per cent of the pre-season done, that will hold him in good stead for next season.
“With Lakey no longer with us, hopefully Matt can push for a spot down back or up forward, because he can play at either end.”
In the news
VIDEO: Speed Dating With Spangher: The Bachelor
NEWS: Spangher building match fitness
NEWS: Successful senior return for Spangher
NEWS: Luckless Spangher to miss three to four weeks
VIDEO: Ask a Hawk: Spangher
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