A column written for you by former Hawk, and full time Hawks fan, Jack Fitzpatrick.
Happy 2018 Hawks fans! Hopefully we are all recovering after the food comas we undoubtedly found ourselves in throughout the festive period. As 2017 ticked over to 2018, I found myself looking forward to the upcoming AFL season, being the first I can truly enjoy from a purely ‘fan’ perspective in eight years.
So in the cricket mad (or footy dry?) early days of January, what better way to whet the appetite than with a “five things to look forward to” list?
Here we go…
The old band back together
Fellow Hawthorn tragics would have noticed the 2008 Grand Final replay has been on Foxtel recently. Probably still the best day of my life, I still find myself dropping whatever I’m doing to watch the game, or at the very least, the last ten minutes of the 3rd quarter (seriously, how bad was the free kick down the field against Sam Mitchell on Gary Ablett; it should DEFINITELY have been taken in the centre circle! Anyway, I digress). It’s amazing how things have changed since, with only Roughy, Birch and Cyril remaining on our list from the 22 to have played that day. This got me thinking – due to health and injury issues over the past two seasons, it’s been far too long since these guys have had a good run of games together. So, let’s hope that in 2018, we see them together another 25 times – 22 regular season games, plus wins in the Qualifying, Preliminary and Grand Finals!
P.S. Don’t worry Whitey, I know you were on the list in 2008, and I’ve got you pencilled in for another 25 appearances too!
A fit Jaeger
A fit Jaeger O’Meara is a tantalising prospect; not only can the bloke seriously play, but it means we get to see those magnificent arms in action more often. Seriously, what more needs to be said?
Round 9
This is when we first face Luke Hodge and his Brisbane Lions. I have a feeling that this will be like running into your ex-partner for the first time; you might think that you’re totally over them, but after that first chance encounter, you’re likely to end up a blubbering mess!
Not to mention, like any super creepy stage-five-clinger ex, I still have photos of Hodgey on my bedroom wall at home. And, let’s be honest, they’re not moving any time soon.
So, let’s all hope that we can have a huge win against the Lions in Round 9 (and again in Round 17), which, I guess, would be equivalent to having a genuine 10 hanging off your arm when you bump into said ex.
Less James Frawley
Chip had the honour of marrying his gorgeous partner Kasey over the break, and I was lucky enough to score an invite to the wedding. It really was a brilliant day for two fantastic people. However, this development means that in all likelihood, outside of training and games, the boys mightn’t see a great deal of Chip in 2018. Despite his tough boy image, he’s really a bit of a softy, and no doubt he’ll be spending as much time with his beautiful new wife as possible! But don’t worry Chip…if it makes you feel any better, you probably won’t be missed!
Read: Hawks on holiday - Christmas edition
More of Fitzy’s Focus?
There may be more to come from Fitzy’s Focus in 2018; I mean, I think I’m pretty funny, so I can’t see any reason why there won’t be! As such, if you enjoyed reading this, or you would like to hear more of my (often random) thoughts as the year goes on, you might just be in luck. Feel free to give me some feedback, or possible topics on Twitter: either @HawthornFC or @jfitzpatrick_t1 with the hashtag #FitzysFocus
