It was another frustrating season for Max Bailey, managing just two matches at senior level as he continued to join a group he’s all too familiar with - the rehab group.
In 2012, it was a wrist injury on the eve of Round 1 that derailed his season, keeping him on the sidelines for four months.
Upon return for the Club’s VFL affiliate, however, it was an impressive Bailey who reminded the coaching staff and fans why the Club has shown faith in him, starring in his first competitive hit out since the NAB Cup.
Bailey booted a game-high three goals from the ruck and was named among Box Hill’s best in the win over Frankston in Round 16 of the VFL season.
Two weeks later, Alastair Clarkson gave Bailey his chance to impress, a late inclusion for the injured David Hale in Hawthorn’s thumping Round 18 win over Essendon.
Bailey amassed 25 hit outs and six possessions, but it wasn’t enough to retain his spot in the side.
He did return for his second and what turned out to be final match of his 2012 season, for the Round 20 win over Port Adelaide. In that game he was again impressive, with 26 hit outs and six disposals.
As Bailey was recuperating from wrist surgery early in the year, it enabled ruckman/forward pair David Hale and Jarryd Roughead to explore their capabilities in the position.
As it turned out, the pair flourished under the tutelage of ruck coach Damian Monkhorst and became one of the Hawks’ biggest weapons given their versatility and ability to hurt the opposition when resting forward.
Clarkson and his coaching group decided Hale and Roughead were the two best options as the Hawks headed into its finals campaign, leaving Bailey on the sidelines.
Importantly, however, the ruckman was listed as an emergency for each of Hawthorn’s three finals matches and was fit and ready to step in if required.
Despite his luckless season, Bailey proved an important player in the Hawks' 2012 campaign, always seen around the Club supporting his teammates.
He too, wasn't a stranger in the gym early on in the year, working hard to make his way back into the Hawthorn side, his dedication never wavered.
When reflecting upon his 2012 season, however, it was a disappointing year for a player who managed 16 matches in 2011 and, showing signs of leaving the injury curse behind him.
It wasn’t to be, however, but with 24 matches under his belt and at 26 years of age, Bailey still has time to make an impact for the Hawks.
Will 2013 be his year?
| GA | K | H | D | DE% | CP | UP | M | CL | T | I50 | G | PCM | |
| 2012 averages | 2 | 1.5 | 4.5 | 6 | 92 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Max Bailey trained with the Grand Final team and with the selected 22 throughout the finals series.
Bailey in the news in 2012
Bailey onto long-term injury list Hawks pumped to the Max Bailey returns in Box Hill win Can Max Bailey play a role for Hawthorn in 2013? Leave your view in the comments section below.
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2012 Player review
