With the 2012 season over, now is as good a time as any to review the seasons of each player to represent Hawthorn on hawthornfc.com.au at 9am each day.
Michael Osborne’s season ended prematurely in Round 7, when he suffered an anterior cruciate injury requiring season-ending surgery.
The injury came at an unfortunate time for the 30 year old, whose form and credentials as a best 22 player was questioned after managing just nine disposals in the Round 6 win over St Kilda.
When he was given the green substitute’s vest the next week against the Demons, it seemed as though Osborne’s place in the side was under review by the coaching staff too.
Once the green vest was removed mid-way through the final term, however, it was only minutes until Osborne was back on the sidelines, carried from the field by trainers with what was later revealed to be the season-ending knee injury.
He managed just one possession before his knee was wrenched and tangled with an opponent, bringing down his season averages in the opening six rounds.
In the first six games, Osborne in fact averaged seven kicks, seven handballs, 14 disposals, two tackles, and kicked three goals.
His contribution in the early rounds was what most have come to expect from the Hawthorn veteran, applying pressure and working hard in the forward line.
Despite standing at just 178cm, Osborne possesses the unique ability to present as a genuine marking option, often becoming the link man at half forward.
In the opening six rounds, he played that role perfectly, working hard to give his teammates an option going forward. He took six marks against the Crows in Round 3 and five against Collingwood in Round 1.
Also in Hawthorn’s Round 1 win over the Magpies, Osborne’s ability to close down the space for the dynamic Collingwood defence was pivotal in the win. In that game, he managed 17 disposals from the forward pocket and kicked a goal to help his team to victory.
No doubt the Hawks missed his on-field leadership in the weeks following his injury, with Osborne one of the Club’s older and wiser heads in a team filled with young talent.
His approach to rehabilitation in his quest to make a return in 2013 has been exceptional, despite experiencing knee swelling early on in his recovery.
He too, wasn’t an unfamiliar face when the 2012 finals series got underway, as he hit the gym with the playing group and provided assistance to both the young and experienced players when required.
With his recovery and training regime well underway, Hawks fans can look forward to an uncompromising Michael Osborne back to his best and ready to prove he’s still got it in 2013.
| GA | K | H | D | DE% | CP | UP | M | CL | T | I50 | G | PCM | |
| 2012 averages | 7 | 6.4 | 6.1 | 12.6 | 67 | 4.7 | 7.4 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 2 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 4 |
Remember this Michael Osborne moment from the Round 1 clash against Collingwood?
Osborne in the news in 2012
ACL for Osborne Knee reconstruction for Osborne Game time key for HawksWatch videos featuring Michael Osborne from season 2012
Ozzie's Challenge: Paper toss with Gilham Ozzie's Challenge: Soccer shoot-out with Schoenmakers Ozzie's Challenge: Bball around the world with RoughieDid we miss Michael Osborne after injury struck? Will he make an impact in 2013? Leave your view in the comments section below.
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