They are simply not as good, nor as young as we think.
Mitchell, Burgoyne (at his Port best), Guerra and Sewell have a few good years left, but are they gonna get any better?
Osborne and Bateman are really struggling.
The improvement for Hawthorn must come from Rioli, Young, Birchall, Ellis and Lewis, and these guys are not the most talented bunch. Even Lewis, who looked like becoming a stud midfielder a few years ago has really dropped off.
Rioli, Burgoyne, Franklin, Hodge and Mitchell are as good as any best five in the comp at their very best, but there are some real concerns about the depth behind these guys.
GOd forbid, coz i love watching him, but if Buddy was injured for the season, the Hawks would be a bottom four side.
No real ruck potential, a decent defending prospect (Stratton) an undersized key defender (Gibson) and no real up and comers that we don't know about.
They are terrible travelers and may be the most moody side in the competition. They play when they feel like it.
How did this list look so unbelievably good only 2 years ago??
They are primed to bounce back next season, but I just don't see where all the improvement can come from. Unless Rioli turns into Ablett and Lewis becomes a Bartel, they are in trouble.
Mitchell, Burgoyne (at his Port best), Guerra and Sewell have a few good years left, but are they gonna get any better?
Osborne and Bateman are really struggling.
The improvement for Hawthorn must come from Rioli, Young, Birchall, Ellis and Lewis, and these guys are not the most talented bunch. Even Lewis, who looked like becoming a stud midfielder a few years ago has really dropped off.
Rioli, Burgoyne, Franklin, Hodge and Mitchell are as good as any best five in the comp at their very best, but there are some real concerns about the depth behind these guys.
GOd forbid, coz i love watching him, but if Buddy was injured for the season, the Hawks would be a bottom four side.
No real ruck potential, a decent defending prospect (Stratton) an undersized key defender (Gibson) and no real up and comers that we don't know about.
They are terrible travelers and may be the most moody side in the competition. They play when they feel like it.
How did this list look so unbelievably good only 2 years ago??
They are primed to bounce back next season, but I just don't see where all the improvement can come from. Unless Rioli turns into Ablett and Lewis becomes a Bartel, they are in trouble.