Most talented hawk of all time (not best or most decorated pure talent)
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Huddo for me any day.
I was lucky enough to see about 105 of his 129 games.
When it comes to skill, he was simply incomparable.
He did things that were so skilful and outrageous, we just laughed.
Lethal may have been the “best” (however you define that) closely followed by the likes of Cyril, Knights, Jarman, Bucky, Platts, and Brereton, but when it comes to pure skill, Huddo was in another dimension - IMO.
I was lucky enough to see about 105 of his 129 games.
When it comes to skill, he was simply incomparable.
He did things that were so skilful and outrageous, we just laughed.
Lethal may have been the “best” (however you define that) closely followed by the likes of Cyril, Knights, Jarman, Bucky, Platts, and Brereton, but when it comes to pure skill, Huddo was in another dimension - IMO.
I voted for Cyril.
But why is Mathews not in the list? He was the GOAT. Over an extended time in one of the toughest football eras he did it all. Forward, centre, on ball. Great mark, couldn't be tackled. Good set shot. And tough. Real tough. Intimidatingly tough.
But why is Mathews not in the list? He was the GOAT. Over an extended time in one of the toughest football eras he did it all. Forward, centre, on ball. Great mark, couldn't be tackled. Good set shot. And tough. Real tough. Intimidatingly tough.
Huddo was a freak. He looked like an uncoordinated nerd, but by god he had some magic. Matching up on him was impossible. Keeping him to a under six goals was a fullback's wet dream.
killerspud
Premiership Player
- Aug 23, 2009
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I guess thats how they did it back then
- Nov 10, 2022
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I have four:
Hawthorn 100 VFL AFL years. 4 historical best of teams
I was contemplating four seperate composite teams, I dont warm to the idea of 2000-2024 getting in the TOC at the expense of existing members. 25-49 Welcome to the big league 50-74 Kennedys commandos 75-99 the best there ever was 00-24 the long road back The latter three teams can be picked on...
www.bigfooty.com
A story about Peter Hudson.
This is true, no exaggeration.
He’d marked the ball in the pocket at the northern end at Waverley - about 30 metres out, near the boundary.
There was a solid northerly blowing so he was kicking into the gale on his wrong foot. In today’s terms the only hope a player would have to kick a goal against the wind in that circumstance would be with a check side.
But Huddo ambled in and kicked his usual flat punt.
The ball ended up, blown by the wind, in the opposite pocket and was marked about 30 or so metres from goal by an opposing player. The ump blew his whistle and paid the mark. That was when the goal umpire rushed out waving his hands “No, no - it’s a goal!”. Mark cancelled and goal paid !
That was just another laughing moment when we were amazed by the skill of the man. I have no idea how anyone (other than Huddo) could kick a flat punt from the pocket against the gale and score a goal - with the ball ultimately being blown back onto the ground.
This is true, no exaggeration.
He’d marked the ball in the pocket at the northern end at Waverley - about 30 metres out, near the boundary.
There was a solid northerly blowing so he was kicking into the gale on his wrong foot. In today’s terms the only hope a player would have to kick a goal against the wind in that circumstance would be with a check side.
But Huddo ambled in and kicked his usual flat punt.
The ball ended up, blown by the wind, in the opposite pocket and was marked about 30 or so metres from goal by an opposing player. The ump blew his whistle and paid the mark. That was when the goal umpire rushed out waving his hands “No, no - it’s a goal!”. Mark cancelled and goal paid !
That was just another laughing moment when we were amazed by the skill of the man. I have no idea how anyone (other than Huddo) could kick a flat punt from the pocket against the gale and score a goal - with the ball ultimately being blown back onto the ground.
- Jun 8, 2015
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‘Like a dog trying to make love to a tennis ball’: Huddo’s winning way
On a goals-per-game basis, Peter Hudson is the greatest full forward of all. Yet only now has anyone written a book about him.
(Apologies for the pay wall - not sure how to defeat it)
moginie
Brownlow Medallist
‘Like a dog trying to make love to a tennis ball’: Huddo’s winning way
On a goals-per-game basis, Peter Hudson is the greatest full forward of all. Yet only now has anyone written a book about him.www.theage.com.au
(Apologies for the pay wall - not sure how to defeat it)
‘Like a dog trying to make love to a tennis ball’: Huddo’s winning way
On a goals-per-game basis, Peter Hudson is the greatest full forward of all. Yet only now has anyone written a book about him.
(Apologies for the pay wall - not sure how to defeat it)
Thanks Cyril, a great article by Greg Baum.
And the book by Dan Eddy - A Football Genius - is a wonderful read. It sets out stories about Huddo, from all those who have known him over his journey (so far), including in particular all of the difficulties we confronted in recruiting him in the first place. Family, teammates, school teachers, journos, coaches, fans etc.
Brilliantly conceived and written.
Get someone to give it to you at Christmas.
The term "football genius" in reference to Huddo was coined by John Kennedy Snr.
I saw Huddo at the airport on the way to a Launceston game a couple of years ago and said to him - "How come John Kennedy, who never individualised (always about the team) and never paid compliments to his players, called you a football genius?"
Huddo looked sheepish and said "It wasn't my idea, I didn't want that title for the book".
Tuck was the best wet weather footballer I've ever seen. That's skill !
Yardie
Premiership Player
- Feb 6, 2004
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I changed my vote after reading that! Sometimes we just don't realise how good some players from the past were.‘Like a dog trying to make love to a tennis ball’: Huddo’s winning way
On a goals-per-game basis, Peter Hudson is the greatest full forward of all. Yet only now has anyone written a book about him.
(Apologies for the pay wall - not sure how to defeat it)
Mashy
Rookie
- Oct 4, 2024
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Changing your opinion based upon new knowledge is a good thing.
Brendan Whitecross - 11 years with the Hawks 2007 - 2018. 111 games - won the 2009 most improved player and in his last year got a flag in the VFL with the Box Hill Hawks. Did his knee in 2012 QF against the Pies and then again in the best game I ever went to the 2013 PF against the Cats (the drought breaker game) and missed the GF and then all of 2014 as well. Imagine being at the Haws for 4GF years and not getting to play.
I voted Jarman for the thread topic- Made the hard look simple and did it with grace - hard to imagine looking at him now. Was the best balanced player I've seen.
Last edited:
- Nov 10, 2022
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I think Mark Graham holds the Hawks record for games no premierships
He’s one of just 7 or so in the top 50 by games played
Hardwick will join in the next year or so
He’s one of just 7 or so in the top 50 by games played
Hardwick will join in the next year or so
i would have said Dunstall or Crawford, but they are not options, Dunstalls goal kicking and goal assists took a lot of skill and he rarely kicked from in front it seemed, Crawford also was a great kick at goal for a midfielder and his run and hitting targets was great during a time where we didnt have the best team.....
i mostly saw Jarman as a Crow and he delivered 2 premierships to Adelaide and yet McLeod won the norm smiths which was so basic, because without Jarman they never win a premiership because he kicked those vital goals...
i mostly saw Jarman as a Crow and he delivered 2 premierships to Adelaide and yet McLeod won the norm smiths which was so basic, because without Jarman they never win a premiership because he kicked those vital goals...
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