THE PERTH weather radar last Saturday afternoon looked  grim, with storms of biblical proportions set to dump loads of rain on Patersons Stadium before and during the Fremantle-Hawthorn match.

The forecast spooked Fremantle enough to make a last-minute change, replacing ruckman Jonathon Griffin with the mid-sized Clancee Pearce. But inside the Hawthorn bunker, there was not a hint of panic.

Three hours later, the Hawks' calm before the storm was vindicated with forward David Hale turning in one of his most impressive performances for the year and belying the age-old football dictum that big blokes can't play in the wet.

Hale had only 11 touches, but booted three goals and handled the conditions with aplomb.

Hawks assistant coach Leon Cameron said he was delighted with the former Kangaroo's output in such difficult conditions.

"He hit the scoreboard three times for three goals; one from a stoppage, one from an intercept and one from a ground ball. When the big blokes are doing the beneath-the-legs stuff, it's great for the team," he said.

The 27-year-old decided to leave Arden Street at the end of last year after nine seasons in a bid to play more regular senior footy. He fielded an offer from Melbourne but chose the Hawks, a decision he must be delighted with for all sorts of reasons.

Apart from a four-week knee injury mid-season, he has been a fixture in the Hawthorn side. But his importance grew after the Geelong game in round 12 when the Hawks lost Brent Renouf and Jarryd Roughead to serious injuries.

Hale returned the next week and, together with Max Bailey, the pair has held the Hawks' ruck division together. And Hale has provided a valuable marking target close to goal.

"We've been rapt with his input," said Cameron, who oversees the forward line. "With 'Roughy' going down, he has stepped up in the forward line and the ruck as required and is chipping in for two or three goals a game."

Hale is forming a fine partnership with Lance Franklin.
The Hawks have a couple of alluring targets to kick to when they get the ball forward of centre, and Hale is proving to be a good contested mark and a reliable kick for goal.

He obviously figures to be a key weapon in Hawthorn's bid to upstage Collingwood and Geelong to win this year's premiership, but beyond that, the Hawks believe he will remain in their best 22 next season once Roughead recovers from his ruptured Achilles.

"Most teams have two tall defenders, but not many have three, so we could create some nightmares for opposition defenders," Cameron said.

This Sunday at Aurora Stadium marks the first time Hale has opposed his former club, at least in an official clash. The Hawks and the Kangaroos locked horns in the pre-season, with Hale kicking two goals.

Cameron said he expected either Luke Delaney or Scott Thompson to get first crack at their former teammate.

This article first appeared in the AFL Record