With the 2014 season now complete, hawthornfc.com.au will review the season of those who played a senior game for the Hawks in 2014 with the help of GM - Football Operations, Chris Fagan.
2014 was another great year for Hawthorn pocket rocket Paul Puopolo, who again showed his value in a premiership-winning side.
It’s hard to believe that four years ago the dual premiership Hawk was almost lost to the AFL, given his pressure and commitment to the team has everyone searching for someone just like him.
Every team should have a Paul Puopolo.
One of only four Hawks to play every game this season, Puopolo probably took his game to another level given he can now add to the midfield rotation.
Although he averaged less disposals than he did in 2013 – 15.8 down from 17.1 – his impact on games was more profound with his tackling pressure and ability to hit the scoreboard.
There wasn’t one opposition defender who wasn’t aware of ‘Poppy’ on the footy field, with his determination to win the ball back for his team proving you don’t need to be 200cm and 100kgs to be feared.
Puopolo achieved his best-ever tackling numbers in 2014, recording 109 for the year, averaging 4.4 per game to be ranked second at the Club.
Like teammate Cyril Rioli, Puopolo doesn’t need 20-30 disposals to contribute significantly on the field – it is his pressure that matters most to the Hawks.
He is selfless and told hawthornfc.com.au during the season what motivates him to be that “pest” in the forward line, buzzing around the opposition’s defence.
“For my game, the main efforts go towards trying to do things that will be lifting for the boys,” Puopolo said.
“I’m glad that they do look up to those kinds of efforts because I do work really hard to do those kings of things and if it does lift the team, then I’m more than happy to do it.”
But while he prides himself on his defensive game and his ability to set up opportunities for his teammates, Puopolo was also an effective scoring option, booting 22 goals for the year – equal fifth on the Club leaderboard.
He started the season well, with 18 disposals against the Lions in Round 1 but two of his best games for the season followed that.
In Round 2 he had 16 disposals, laid six tackles and kicked a critical goal in the last quarter to sink the Bombers and had 19 touches and booted three goals against Fremantle in Round 3.
Like many of his teammates, he stepped up and filled a more midfield role in Round 10, when the side was ravaged by injuries and showed he can play in the guts with a 22-disposal effort in the loss to the Power.
He proved a handful against Collingwood in Round 14 in a performance best remembered for that speccy in a six-man pack at centre half forward. Still, we don’t know how he managed to fly higher for longer than his much taller teammates and opponents.
On the stats sheet, he had 17 disposals, laid four tackles and kicked a goal.
Most importantly, he finished the season strongly with strong performances against Sydney in Round 18 (15 disposals, five tackles and a goal – who could forget that running effort against Jeremy Laidler where he drilled a crucial major), Geelong in Round 22 (17 disposals and four tackles) and against Collingwood again in Round 23 (19 disposals, four tackles and two goals).
Puopolo played a key role in the finals series too, with his best effort coming in the nail-biting Preliminary Final win over Port Adelaide where he had 20 touches and laid five tackles.
The 173cm Hawk would have taken great pleasure in saluting his second premiership after being told numerous times he was too small and not good enough to make it in the AFL.
He keeps proving everyone wrong.
Strong seasons in 2013 and 2014 after an outstanding debut year in 2011 has us excited for what he con produce as he continues to develop his 88-game career.
What GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said: “’Poppy’ epitomises what we want everyone to be like at Hawthorn.
“He’s a bloke who’s happy to play his role, he gives his best every time he plays. He puts enormous pressure on the opposition with his chasing, tackling and hunting. This often creates goals for his teammates, which makes him happy.
“He’s a consistent performer – there’s not much of him but he plays with an intensity that we’re really proud of.
“It was a really great year from him.”
Paul Puopolo in the news in 2014
- Puopolo goes from reject to back-to-back premiership winner
- Pressure acts: How Puopolo lifts the Hawks
- Week off is critical: Puopolo
Videos featuring Paul Puopolo in 2014
- Puopolo speaks after the premiership
- #BehindThePlay: Puopolo and his dog, Hugo
- #everymoment: Puopolo
Paul Puopolo celebrates back-to-back premierships during the lap of honour with Isaac Smith, Jack Gunston and Luke Breust.
