WITH at least five spots up for grabs heading into a Round 1 blockbuster against Geelong Cats, it’s been a pre-season fuelled by competition for spots.
And with the Hawks’ season opener just six days away, there’s still plenty of debate over which players will come into last year’s premiership side.
Ruckman David Hale and key defender Brian Lake retired at 2015, while Matt Suckling headed to the Western Bulldogs. Vice-captain Jarryd Roughead and midfielder Liam Shiels will also miss the start of the season through injury – meaning the Hawks will be without almost 950 AFL games worth of experience.
hawthornfc.com.au has taken a look at eight of the contenders (in no particular order), ahead of team selection on Thursday.
An extended squad for Monday's match will be named at 6.25pm on Thursday night, before the final 22 is released on Saturday afternoon.
James Sicily (FWD)
The athletic forward has firmed for a Round 1 berth after an impressive NAB Challenge series. Sicily played all three games, impressing most in the second half against North Melbourne in the Hawks’ final match. After making his debut last year and showing some promising signs, the 21-year-old will be a contender at the selection table as the Hawks search for a replacement for injured vice-captain Jarryd Roughead.
Jonathon Ceglar (RUC)
After a slightly interrupted pre-season post-Christmas, Ceglar reminded everyone why he played 14 consecutive matches in 2015 with a strong NAB 3 performance. The mobile big man stepped straight back into senior ranks, forming a potent pairing with fellow ruckman Ben McEvoy. Also capable of pushing forward – he kicked two goals against the Kangaroos – Ceglar could present another marking option inside 50 for the Hawks.
Daniel Howe (MID/DEF)
Entering his second year, Howe looks in a strong position to build on a debut year in which he played four senior matches. The 20-year-old utility was one of the Hawks’ most impressive NAB Challenge performers, proving calm under pressure and reliable with ball in hand.
Will Langford (MID)
After a strong performance in a VFL practice match just over a week ago, Langford again presented a strong case for senior selection in Monday’s intra-club hit-out. The tough-as-nails contested ball winner – and 2014 premiership player – was hampered by injury last year, but could be in consideration for Liam Shiels’ midfield role.
Angus Litherland (DEF)
Capable of playing tall or small, defender Litherland will definitely be in selection discussions ahead of Round 1. Perhaps unlucky to have only played six senior games in 2015, the 23-year-old has been consistent during the NAB Challenge and could offer another lockdown defender or a capable rebounder off half back.
Kaiden Brand (DEF)
After missing all of 2015 with shoulder injuries, key defender Brand featured in all three NAB Challenge matches. And if the Cats go with a tall forward line – as expected – the 21-year-old might be called upon to make his AFL debut. Quick on his feet and standing at 198 centimetres, Brand could complement the likes of James Frawley and Josh Gibson.
Billy Hartung (MID)
The hard-luck story of last year’s premiership, Hartung bounced back to be one of the Hawks’ most impressive pre-season performers. The 20-year-old has played 27 games in his first two seasons, and the interchange restrictions could benefit the hard-running, line-breaking wingman.
Jonathan O’Rourke (MID)
Midfielder O’Rourke got a taste of senior footy in his first year as a Hawk, playing two matches, but looks set for more opportunity in 2016. Alongside Howe, Hartung and Langford, the 21-year-old will be competing for an on-ball berth, and his chances will be buoyed by a strong post-Christmas training block and two impressive NAB Challenge performances.
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