WITH star forward and vice-captain Jarryd Roughead set to miss the first half of 2016 through injury, there’s bound to be plenty of competition among the Hawks’ young forwards heading towards Round 1.
And while Roughead – a four-time premiership player who has kicked 197 goals across the past three seasons – leaves massive shoes to fill, there are some talented young Hawks ready and waiting for an opportunity.
GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan has named James Sicily and Tim O’Brien as possible options up forward, while the likes of recruit Jack Fitzpatrick, draftees Ryan Burton and Blake Hardwick, and yet-to-debut utility Dallas Willsmore could all be in the mix.
The Hawks played three key forwards in last year’s grand final, with Roughead accompanied by mobile duo Jack Gunston and Ryan Schoenmakers, and either of ruckmen Ben McEvoy and David Hale also adding another element of marking power to the forward mix.
Gunston, who has kicked more than 50 goals in each of his past two seasons, is a lock, while Schoenmakers looks to have established himself after a strong 2015 finals series.
If the Hawks look to a big forward, 200-centimetre ruck-forward Fitzpatrick – who kicked 24 goals in 22 games for former club Melbourne – could be an option, as could swingman Matt Spangher or rookie-listed New Zealander Shem Tatupu (if promoted from the rookie list).
O’Brien, who played the most recent of his four AFL games in 2014, offers a versatile marking option, as does Sicily, who made his senior debut last season.
Both were consistent performers at VFL level last season – strong on the lead with an eye for goal – while Sicily slotted four goals from his three AFL games in 2015.
In 191-centimetre utility Willsmore, the Hawks have a skilful left-footer capable of splitting the sticks, while ruckmen McEvoy, Jon Ceglar or yet-to-debut Marc Pittonet could also present tall forward options.
Of the draftees, mid-sized forward Hardwick is strong overhead for his size (181 centimetres) and was the TAC Cup’s leading goalkicker in 2015, while Burton – who will be looking to make a comeback tin 2016 after being sidelined with injury last year – has been compared to new teammate Gunston.
