What Clarko says
24. Ben Stratton
Wearing guernsey number 24 in season 2012 is Ben Stratton.
I won’t be the only Hawks supporter who believes we missed ‘Stratts’ in a significant manner throughout the 2011 season.
He started the season really well and featured prominently in the pre-season cup before injuring his knee in a horrific accident during the Round 3 match against Richmond.
He subsequently missed a slab of footy and it was only due to his professionalism that he was able to get himself back for the latter part of the season, where he was able to play in the last match of 2011 against the Gold Coast Suns before participating in our finals campaign.
Given that Ben had missed so much footy, her certainly wasn’t at his most stellar best, however with a consistent summer and pre-season training we’re sure he will be a key plank in our back-half once again.
Gary Buckenara spotted ‘Stratts’ in the WAFL who then came to our Club as a 20 year old.
He played almost an entire season in his first year at the Club, and showed all our supporters that he was going to be a player for the future.
‘Stratts’ is a very athletic player - he’s got an enormous engine, great speed and courage and provides a really good marking option in the back-end of the ground to complement our other tall defenders.
We feel that with ‘Stratts’ available, it gives us a bit more flexibility to move players around the ground more.
We’re really excited to watch his progress, knowing full-well that if he is fit and available for selection, our team will have a greater chance of winning games.
I don’t think there will be too many Hawks supporters following our summer series who won’t want to check back tomorrow to read the progress of number 23 in Lance Franklin, who has put in an outstanding pre-season to-date.
We’re really looking forward to what he might be able to do to help us win a flag in season 2012 so make sure you return and leave your comments alongside mine.
What are your thoughts?
Leave your comments on Ben Stratton below with fellow Hawks fans. What impresses you most about Ben? How can Ben take the next step in 2012?
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