Matt Spangher became somewhat a cult figure late in season 2013 and looms as an important player for Hawthorn next season.
He arrived at the Ricoh Centre to little fanfare on the final day of last year’s trade period but emerged as a crucial part of Hawthorn’s road to the 2013 premiership.
Versatility was what attracted the Hawks to the then 25 year old at the time, with his ability to play forward or back viewed as a valuable addition to the Hawthorn team.
He had played mostly as a forward in his six games for Sydney but was a defender for the Eagles in his 26 matches in the West. At Hawthorn, he’s be a bit of both.
His ability to play in a variety of positions and fulfil a variety of roles proved pivotal in 2013 and was what enabled him to be a valuable contributor to Hawthorn in his four senior games for the year, including the Qualifying Final win over Sydney.
He made his debut for the Club in Round 8 against Greater Western Sydney and played in defence where he gathered 17 disposals from full back.
That was the only game he would play until Round 20, where he played both forward and back in the win over St Kilda at Etihad Stadium – where is rise to cult figure status began with a brilliant soccer-style goal.
Spangher didn’t play in rounds 21 or 22 but stepped into the side for the final home and away game against Sydney at ANZ Stadium and did enough to earn himself a spot in the Qualifying Final with 15 disposals and five marks.
His form and ability to play forward or back made him the ideal replacement for the suspended Lance Franklin.
He was a valuable contributor in the first final – which amazingly was just his 36th career game.
The 26 year old played as a lead-up forward who competed well in marking contests. He had 11 disposals and kicked a goal and was one of the reasons why the side was able to overrun the Swans because of his ability to bring the ball to ground for the likes of Luke Breust and Paul Puopolo among others.
It was the performance, though modest on the stats sheet illustrated the gamble of bringing him into the Club had paid off and looks set to continue to be fruitful for Hawthorn in 2014.
With Franklin now gone, there could potentially be a place for Spangher in Alastair Clarkson’s best 22 if he opts to play a similar style to the Franklin, Roughead, Gunston and Hale structure of 2013.
Spangher’s performances improved as he settled into his new club in the second half of the season and that was reflected in his performances both at AFL and VFL level.
He became a key player in Box Hill’s premiership win over Geelong in the VFL Grand Final with 19 disposals and five marks. He was named in the best for the Grand Final.
The defender/forward played 13 VFL matches in 2013 and was named in the best on 10 occasions.
He split his time between forward and back, but his best return came against preliminary finalist, Williamstown in June, when he booted three goals and took five marks.
He also booted multiple goals on three occasions – against Port Melbourne, Casey Scorpians and Essendon.
What Chris Fagan said: He’s become somewhat of a cult figure with Hawthorn and at Box Hill. He had a really good impact on the playing group in his first year – he’s a popular character and is very level headed, he is always prepared to play his role for the team. He’s flexible in that he can play forward or back and played a good role for us in the Qualifying Final against the Swans when Franklin was out injured. He kicked a goal and competed really hard in marking contests. He then became an outstanding contributor to Box Hill in their finals campaign and was one of the best on ground in the VFL Grand Final – it was a good year from Matt who earned a lot of respect from the playing group.
Spangher in the news in 2013:
- Spangher happy to go where needed
Videos featuring Spangher in 2013:
