Ahead of the 2018 finals series, hawthornfc.com.au takes a look at which players could break a game open this September...
Shaun Burgoyne
Well known as Hawthorn’s ‘break glass in case of emergency’ player, Shaun Burgoyne has been the difference in several games throughout his career. This Thursday’s clash will mark Burgoyne’s 34th AFL final, and boy does he thrive on the big stage.
Hawks fans will never forget Burgoyne’s performance in the 2013 Preliminary Final against Geelong, kicking three goals – including the match winner – and again looms as a finals weapon this September.
Can be moved to which ever part of the ground in which Alastair Clarkson feels the game needs to be won and has been crucial in the Hawks’ most recent nail-biting wins.
The man known as ‘Silk’ has hit September in peak form also, averaging more than 21 disposals across the final month of the season.
Jaeger O’Meara
Coming off the back of arguably his best season at AFL level, O’Meara could be capable of anything this September.
Averaging almost 24 disposals in 2018, the midfielder’s form has continued to build as the year has worn on and looks set to play his best football at the right time of the year.
Will run out for his first ever final on Thursday night and appears ready to tear a game apart.
Read - In the mix: Qualifying Final
Ben Stratton
Has proven this year to be one of the competition’s best defenders, despite missing out on All-Australian selection, and has been a general for the Hawks in their back half.
Stratton has starred this season, dismantling teams with his ability to set the side up with rebound from defence and has continually repelled the opposition’s forward forays with his intercept marking.
Could equally break a game open this September with one of his desperate defensive efforts as much as he could running off halfback.
James Sicily
Enjoying a career-best season up until he was sidelined by injury, Sicily will be as hungry as ever to return to football and looms as a crucial component in the Hawks’ September makeup.
As damaging as anybody off halfback, Sicily’s intercept making ability and precise disposal by foot make him a significant threat to all opposition teams, as does his ability to still drift forward and kick multiple goals.
Jarryd Roughead
While the Hawks’ skipper has been a victim of his own lofty standards this season and, in his own words, been somewhat below his best, the four-time premiership player has shown he can still tear a game apart on any given day.
His four-goal performances against the Western Bulldogs in Round 16 and the Tigers in Round 3 showed glimpses of his match winning best, while the 273-game veteran has always stood up on the biggest of occasions.
