UTILITY Matt Spangher has become vital to the makeup of Hawthorn’s team in the last two months and no one is happier for him than defensive coach, Luke Beveridge.
Beveridge has had to make do with a different backline to the one that saluted on grand final day last year, with Josh Gibson, Brian Lake and Ben Stratton missing large portions through injury.
In the midst of a mounting injury list though, the Hawks have uncovered two players capable of making significant contributions in defence - Angus Litherland and Spangher.
Now at his third AFL club following stints at West Coast and Sydney, it seems the latter has finally found a home at Hawthorn.
Previously battling injury and poor form, Spangher has become a cult figure at Hawthorn both for his appearance – his long locks and beard – and ever-improving game.
The no-fuss defender has been outstanding for Hawthorn in the last month and even earned himself votes in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award against West Coast in Round 12 and against Collingwood in Round 14.
It hasn’t been just in his defensive work that Spangher has won praise from his coaches and fans but also in his ability to be an effective offensive weapon.
He was a vital link-up player out of defence against Collingwood in Round 14, winning 19 disposals at 94.7 per cent efficiency – the most efficient of any Hawk on the day – eight rebound 50s, seven marks and five tackles.
“Personally I’ve been really happy for him because he’s had some continuity in his footy,” Beveridge told hawthornfc.com.au
“The quality of his game has been tremendous; he was our most effective player disposal-wise the two weeks prior to the North Melbourne game, which says a lot because that’s not a recognised strength in his game.
“Each week the game throws up new challenges for him and each week he endeavours to learn from them and get better.
“He’s a terrific young man; his teammates have developed an enormous amount of respect and an enormous amount of trust in him in recent times because of his performances.”
Beveridge believes it has been the self-belief Spangher has in himself that has enabled him to become a key player in Hawthorn’s charge to September.
That belief has stemmed this year from finally achieving continuity in his footy since returning from an ankle injury in Round 12, the same game in which he polled votes from the coaches.
Without it, the confidence in which he has played this season wouldn’t be possible.
“He’s probably been frustrated by his body more than anything and some of the bad luck the game has thrown at him,” he said.
“He’s a terrific aerobic and endurance athlete but when your body lets you down you can’t explore that, so it’s important he keeps stringing performances together so he can continue to blossom in that area and really challenge opposition forward lines.
“He’s got an enormous amount of belief in himself because he’s such a combative type of player - he’s such a competitor and he believes he’s as good as anyone he plays against.”
Spangher’s high level of performance has thrust him into finals calculations, with the Hawks spoilt for choice in defence.
With Josh Gibson expected back next Saturday night against the Swans but Brian Lake to miss another three matches through suspension, Spangher has more time to cement his spot in Hawthorn’s team.
