As the PyeongChang Winter Olympics headlines world sport, hawthornfc.com.au takes a look at what a potential Hawks Olympic team might look like if they were sent to compete for Gold…
Skeleton – Ben Stratton
Willing to throw himself into contest, Stratton would also likely be the Hawks’ man to hurtle down the ice track head-first at up to 130 km/h. While all the glory of Stratton’s current mullet would be tucked into a helmet and fitted suit, the courageous defender would thrive under extreme forces up to 5G.
Speed Skating – Isaac Smith
Both lightning quick and an endurance specialist, Smith would be the perfect candidate to pull on the skates around the 400-metre track. Requiring powerful strides over a long-distance, and with a little bit of practice on the skates, Smith would push the world’s best at speeds of up to 70 km/h.
Figure skating – Ben McEvoy and Tom Mitchell
A lethal combination in the Hawks’ midfield, McEvoy and Mitchell’s tandem work and on-field magnetism would have them perfectly suited for a figure skating pairing. While they’re yet to make their debut in any form of sequined costume, the pair would produce the right balance of power and finesse. ‘Big Boy’ would lead the way with unwavering guidance, as Mitchell puts on a show through a series of lifts, spins and throw jumps.
Freestyle skiing – Cyril Rioli
Able to do what no other can on the football field, particularly at great height, Cyril would have both the trick bag and freakish athletic ability to excel in slopestyle and half-pipe events for the Hawks. Swapping a Sherrin for skis, Cyril would match it with the best on the slopes.
Ski Jumping – Dylan Moore
With the lighter athletes known for flying further in the Ski Jump, Dylan Moore is the ideal Hawk to launch himself off the slope, with the recent draftee’s official weight coming in at around 70kg. Despite picking up less speed than potentially heavier skiers, Moore is primed to get the furthest distance as the lightest player at the club.
Curling – Shaun Burgoyne, Luke Breust, Paul Puopolo
A smart and experienced campaigner ‘Silk’ is the perfect candidate to lead the Hawks’ curling quest, with his precise skill and deft touch the ideal attributes for throwing the stone. Breust and Puopolo bring their speed and intensity to the more entertaining facet of the sport – the sweeping role.
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Snowboard – Jarman Impey
Armed with aerial prowess and the capacity to pull off the impossible, as shown against the Hawks in Round 11 last year, Impey would excel on a board, whether it be in the Halfpipe or Big Air events. And as we all know, the new Hawk has several tricks up his sleeve, exhibit a).
Cross Country skiing – Will Langford
Capable of playing in all areas of the ground, Langford is the Hawk to tackle every terrain in the snow. Far from being just a down-hill skier, Langford would be well and truly capable of doing the hard yards up hill.
Biathlon - Mark Williams
For this event the Hawks would need to pull 2008 Premiership star Mark ‘shotgun’ Williams out of retirement to give themselves the best chance of claiming gold. Renowned as a sharp shooter for his post-goal celebrations as much as his accuracy in front of the big sticks, Williams would have both the composure and rifle experience for the shooting component, as well as the athleticism for the skiing.
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