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.
After playing eight games for the Hawks in his debut season at the Club, Kyle Cheney managed just six matches in a Hawthorn side that proved difficult to break into.
A medium-sized defender, Cheney finds himself behind experienced Hawks Brent Guerra, Shaun Burgoyne, Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton and Matt Suckling in the defensive pecking order.
He did get his chance early in the season, however, winning a place in the side from Round 3 to 5 as Grant Birchall was sidelined through injury in Rounds 4 and 5.
He was impressive against the Crows in the Round 3 win at the MCG, winning 17 disposals, laying three tackles and kicking a goal.
But, Cheney was a casualty from the shock loss to the Swans in Tasmania in Round 5.
His demotion to the Club’s reserves, playing for Box Hill at VFL level didn’t affect his confidence, however, approaching each game with the determination to win a spot in the talented Hawthorn defence.
He gathered 22 touches and looked a class above in Box Hill’s Round 6 win over Frankston and backed that up with strong performances in the weeks following, gathering 18 and 21 disposals across half back.
Showing his versatility, Cheney also enjoyed playing up forward for Box Hill, having an impact in the win over Bendigo with 16 disposals.
His strong two months at VFL level caught the eye of Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson, winning a spot in the senior side for the Round 15 win over Greater Western Sydney.
He played three consecutive matches, including the Round 17 win over Collingwood, putting in a solid performance against a side vying for a finals spot.
After losing his place in the Hawthorn side after Round 17, Cheney returned to the VFL to strengthen Box Hill’s defence, looking a cut above the rest of the competition.
His ferocious attack on the ball and uncompromising desire to do whatever it takes to succeed made him a key figure amongst Hawthorn youngsters developing in the VFL.
His attitude and strong performances, often named in the best in the VFL kept him in Clarkson’s mind, training with the selected 22 ahead of each game leading into the finals.
He was listed as an emergency for Hawthorn’s Preliminary Final win over Adelaide and also the Grand Final against the Swans.
It seems Cheney could feature in his coach’s plans for next season, given his “defence first” mindset and ability to play a lock-down role on one of the opposition’s most dangerous players.
He could be earmarked as a replacement for dour defender Brent Guerra, who, at 30 years of age is entering the twilight of his career.
| GA | K | H | D | DE% | CP | UP | M | CL | T | I50 | G | PCM | |
| 2012 averages | 6 | 4 | 6.2 | 10.2 | 80 | 2.8 | 7.8 | 2.8 | 0.3 | 2 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 11 |
Cheney doesn't let size bother him, spoiling then-Collingwood big man, Chris Dawes.
Watch videos featuring Cheney from season 2012
Hawks at HomeLeave your view of Cheney's 2012 season below.
RELATED
2012 Player Reviews Box Hill match reports
