Unfortunately this September poses an unfamiliar and, frankly, daunting challenge.
Finals action awaits, but the Hawks are already done and dusted.
Rather than hide under a rock for the next 30 days (and possibly the ensuing six months if Richmond or Collingwood happen to get up again), we thought we’d weigh up the pros and cons, and determine which is the lesser of eight evils to throw our support behind this September.
Here we go and all the very best...
Read: Blast from the Past - Lethal's injection
West Coast
Why?
Of the eight senior coaches leading their sides into battle this weekend, five have previously worked under Alastair Clarkson. Adam Simpson will be the first cab off the rank on Thursday night, when his team hosts the Bombers. Simpson’s four-year service to the club cannot be forgotten.
Why not?
This year is the last of a glorious decade for Hawthorn. Three premierships. Back to back to back. No other club has managed to win consecutive flags this decade – not unless the Eagles pull through this year…
Essendon
We’re not even going to try mount a case for these blokes. Whoever they’re up against, cheer loudly. It all helps.
Geelong
See above.
Collingwood
Why?
We could probably liken these guys to Essendon or Geelong, but it feels like there’s been a slight softening of Collingwood dislike in the past 12 to 18 months. You may disagree. There is also the added element that we had a 100 percent success rate against the Pies this year, which can also be a source of motivation when picking your pretend-team.
Why not?
For those who fall in the “I disagree” camp after that first sentence, of which we imagine there are a few, there is still plenty of justification for overlooking the Pies. For some, that might be a black and white decision, if you like.
GWS
Why?
Alongside Collingwood, GWS is the only other finals participant the Hawks boasted an unbeaten record against this year. The Hawks got the best of the Giants on two occasions in 2019, one under lights at the ‘G, the other in the Canberra snow. Coach Leon Cameron is also another Clarko disciple.
Why not?
Maybe you’re the type to be annoyed at spoilt younger siblings. The youngest team in the competition is yet to win a flag – maybe you’re happy for it to stay that way…
Western Bulldogs
Why?
Luke Beveridge was at the Hawks for three years, from 2012 to 2014. A 100 percent strike rate of grand final berths and a 66.7 percent strike rate of premiership success.
Why not?
Semi final 2016. The day the Dogs dogged us, stealing our chances of a fourpeat from our grasps. Never forget.
Brisbane
Why?
For Hawks fans, the links are obvious, coach Chris Fagan and a fella called Luke Hodge. Two of the most pivotal figures in the golden era that has been the last decade and a bit. They’re also probably the most common “second-favourite side” across the competition this year, playing a fast and exciting brand of footy that is attractive to watch.
Why not?
Maybe you don’t want to see Hodgey holding a premiership cup wearing anything other than brown and gold. And that’s OK.
Richmond
Why?
Damien Hardwick was Clarko’s sidekick for five years, and played a big part in helping us win our drought-breaking ’08 grand final. For that, Dimma will always hold a soft spot in our hearts. It is also difficult to not sing along with the Tigers’ theme song in moments of weakness…
Why not?
Ah, who are we kidding?! See Essendon.
