Well, the dream of an historic premiership four-peat is all but over, and it’s not even Round 2.
We’ve lost to the Cats, we’ve got the Eagles this week and from all reports there’s just no way we can make the finals.
Roughy’s injured, so is Hodgey, and Hilly, and Shielsy too.
There’s just no hope… When does cricket start again?
Never mind that Clarko’s led us to four flags, we’ve got the best players in the competition, and when it’s come to the business end of the past three seasons, we’ve found a way to get the job done.
Okay, so Easter Monday wasn’t ideal, and if we’re being completely honest, the Cats outplayed us for three quarters.
It hurts to admit that.
But let’s not forget that one good quarter of footy almost won us the game, against a team everyone thinks will make the finals, and even challenge for the top four.
With six players out of last year’s premiership side – and Cegs a late withdrawal – it was an opportunity for our younger players to experience a big game on a big stage. If we’re to challenge again this year, we know we need to expose those guys to the most challenging contests.
And Easter Monday was just that, against a quality side, in front of a big MCG crowd.
It’s really, really, really hard to like Geelong, but that Paddy Dangerfield goes alright. Even if we liked him better when he lived in Adelaide.
We were beaten by a better side on the day – something that hasn’t happened all that often over the last couple of years – but let’s not jump to early conclusions about 2016.
Lets back in the coaches and players to find a way to get it done, starting this week.
Like they have over and over again, with or without different players, against all opponents in all conditions.
It’s a grand final rematch, the flag is being unfurled and the MCG will be full of brown and gold.
So bring on the Eagles.
The Glenferrie Ghost - an passionate Hawks fan who lives and breathes brown and gold - will pen a weekly column for hawthornfc.com.au in 2016.
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