This Saturday a new Club Champion will be crowned at the 2007 PeterCrimmins Medal. Hawthorn supporter Dean Rule takes us through his tipsfor each award at the Hawks’ night of nights.

This season’sAwards Night, to be held at the Crown Palladium Ballroom, has been soldout for several weeks. However, Hawthorn supporters can watch the PeterCrimmins Medal LIVE online, thanks to HawksTV. Broadcast commences at7:15pm. 


*************

Watching the Grand Final on Saturday with my crazy Cats mates was alright but rather than pay too much attention to the actual game I was thinking about when the mighty Hawks would get to that one day in September. From what I have seen this season – it won't be too far away. I believe we will soon see a Hawks side to rival that of the glory years of the 80's.

As a Melbourne boy I have gone to most of the Hawks Victorian games this year and am over the moon at the emergence of some of the young talent down at the Club.

On the night of the Crimmins Medal I believe the medals could go to just about anyone on the list. Though the winners may be harder to pick than a broken nose I decided to give it a go anyway!

Best Player in the Finals Series
It wouldn’t be too harsh to say we didn’t have too many stand out players against the Roos which makes the job of picking a winner harder for me.

After much deliberation I came across one name. The man wearing the number 23 would fit the bill as being the best player in the Finals Series. You can’t wear the number 23 at Hawthorn and not be a showman. Buddy is a showman and he has a special place in every Hawks supporter’s heart. Whether it was out sprinting his opponents or a kicking bag of magic goals from outside 50, Buddy was the standout of the Hawks 2007 Finals campaign.
Best Player in the Finals Series: Buddy Franklin

Most Improved
Like many other Hawks supporters I have been really impressed with the emergence of Tim Boyle. I haven’t really had a chance to see him play much apart from this season but he has been a really big contributor up forward alongside Buddy and Roughy.

I was also considering Ben “Mighty Mouse” McGlynn. He may be only 174cm tall but he plays a big roll in the team. Never afraid to get in and under and that’s what I like most about this young kid.

Had Tim Boyle not of injured his hamstring against Collingwood which affected his performance for the rest of the season I would be giving him the Most Improved. Therefore Mighty Mouse is my pick for the Most Improved player at Hawthorn for 2007.
Most Improved: Ben McGlynn

Most Consistant
Plenty of Hawks are worthy of this award. Birchall, Croad, Mitchell, McGlynn, the list goes on. My pick for most consistant is Campbell Brown. Week after week we see him taking on the bigger forwards like Pavlich and Lucas and beating them comprehensively. Never afraid to throw his body in there and never backs down from a contest.
Most Consistant: Campbell Brown

Best First Year Player
Xavier Ellis has proved his worth in the team this year. Barring injury he was usually in the 22 and rarely put a foot wrong which is pretty good considering he had played no senior games prior to this season. He is another one of Hawthorn’s high draft picks and with more senior games he will only get better.
Best First Year Player: Xavier Ellis

Best Clubman
This award for me could have gone to a number of players. Buddy Franklin for bailing us out a few times with bags of goals (especially against Adelaide) or Browny for never giving up and showing determination every week. The best clubman award I reckon goes to Shane Crawford. Before the season he had his doubters and then coming out and playing like he was 21 again, full of run, grit, determination and courage. These qualities scream to me Best Clubman. For that reason I believe Crawf deserves this award with Browny and Buddy not far behind.
Best Clubman: Shane Crawford

Peter Crimmins Medal
This medal could go to any of about 7 or 8 players who have all had a stellar year and have really shown us how talented they really are. My decision is not based on the Brownlow votes from the men in white, green, yellow, red, orange (or any other colour for that matter) or based on how many stats the players have got next to their name. My decision is based on how much leadership quality they possess, their determination for the ball, their ability but most of all their passion and love for the game.

I took all of this into account and came up with my winner, Luke Hodge. Taken in the “super draft” of 2001 he has really stepped up and shown why he was taken at pick number one. He possesses all of the qualities that a Peter Crimmins Medalist should have, he wears his heart on his sleeve, has plenty of determination and leadership quality. I believe he should be the one with that prestigious medal hanging around his neck at the end of the night.
1st Luke Hodge
2nd Brad Sewell
3rd Sam Mitchell


No Matter who wins medals on the night I am proud of each and every Hawks player.
I couldn’t have asked for much more from you guys.

Looking forward to 2008 - The year of the Hawk!

GO THE HAWKS

Dean Rule, Bundoora


*************

Watch related media:
PCM - Hawk Street Talk

Read related articles: PCM - Supporter Previews
PCM preview - Jacob Attwood
PCM preview - Peter Whitten

PCM preview - Andy King

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author andnot necessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.auwould like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to theOfficial Club website. If you would like to sign up to write forhawthornfc.com.au
click here for more details.