Just a few names you should listen out for when the Hawks meet the Bulldogs in tomorrow's JLT hit out.
Read: Hawks announce JLT1 squad
Ben Stratton
Another Hawk who was sorely missed last year, Ben Stratton has overcome the knee injury that ruined his 2017 campaign and looks set to return to his best this season. Stratton managed just eight matches over the year, his lowest games tally since 2011. Having celebrated his 29th birthday on Thursday, the three-time premiership player now figures as a key leader inside the Hawks’ defensive line. He will be determined to bounce back from a disappointing year, starting this weekend against the Dogs.
Jaeger O’Meara
Jaeger O’Meara is giving every indication that he is in for a strong season in 2018. The West Australian was best on ground in the Hawks’ final intraclub hit-out, collecting 33 disposals, six clearances, seven clearances and booting a goal, and has had an ideal pre-season preparation. Having managed just six games for the Hawks last year, the explosive midfielder teased fans with his potential. The 24-year old finished the season strongly with a 25-possession and 11-tackle effort against the Dogs in Round 23. Hawthorn supporters will be hoping for a continuation of such form as we enter the new year.
Harry Morrison
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson recently described Harry Morrison as a player with the “temperament to become a really fine player”, saying he had shown “signs” of becoming an A-grader. Morrison made his senior debut in the final game of last year’s home and away season against the Bulldogs and made an instant impression as he gathered 20 possessions. As the 19-year old enters his second year in the league, fans will be watching with interest to see if he can live up to the expectations set by his four-time premiership head coach.
Hayden Crozier
Hayden Crozier returned home to Victoria after being traded from Fremantle to the Bulldogs. The number 20 pick in the 2011 draft played 69 games in six seasons with the Dockers and now arrives at Whitten Oval as a skilful utility. Likely to be used across the half-back flank, Crozier will be looking to fill the voids left following the retirements of Bob Murphy and Matthew Boyd.
Josh Schache
Following a tumultuous year in 2017, Josh Schache was traded from the Brisbane Lions to the Western Bulldogs in the dying seconds of last year’s trade period. The second overall pick in 2015 fell out of favour with the Lions as questions arose over his commitment and competitiveness. Speaking to afl.com.au last month, the 20-year old explained that he had lost five kilograms and was determined to prove the doubters wrong. “I want to prove everyone wrong,” Schache said in January. The young key forward’s opportunity to do so starts Saturday.
Tom Liberatore
Following a 2016 season in which he became a premiership player and became regarded as an elite contested ball winner of the competition, Tom Liberatore followed the year up with a disappointing campaign. The 25-year old’s disposal average fell to 17.2 touches per game, the lowest rate of his seven-year career. This pre-season Liberatore has displayed a tenacious desire to right the wrongs of last year. The Bulldogs’ 2014 club champion will chomping at the bit to start his year off on the right foot this weekend.
