A topic sure to be discussed throughout the coming years is in relation to Geelong and Hawthorn and which club’s future looks to be better positioned to make another tilt for a flag.
Similarities
Both clubs were powerhouses of recent times who have achieved sustained success and multiple flags.
Both clubs have had a changing of the guard, with almost all of those Premiership heroes now retired, or even coaching.
Both clubs have tried to prolong their dynasties by trading out draft picks for mature stars.
Recent Approach
Hawks have recently embraced a traditional rebuild, taking the majority of their picks to the draft and even sought to trade out stars for picks (unsuccessfully).
Cats have continued to double down each year on veterans, and have miraculously been able to money ball themselves into basically being a top 6 team for the entire decade since their last flag in 2011.
Future - Short and Long
Geelong once again seem poised to be a strong team in 2022, although they will probably need a lot of luck to knock off the likes of Melbourne/Port/Brisbane who are still young and improving. Hawks will likely miss finals again, but will be blooding youth as they embrace the rebuild.
Where to from here? Will Geelong be able to forever stay in the top 6 using their strategy and pinch a flag here and there? Or will the Hawks with their well-run club complete the rebuild and be back in the top 4 in a few years time?
With an eye to the future and with the current state of each team’s lists, which one would you say is positioned better at the moment?
Similarities
Both clubs were powerhouses of recent times who have achieved sustained success and multiple flags.
Both clubs have had a changing of the guard, with almost all of those Premiership heroes now retired, or even coaching.
Both clubs have tried to prolong their dynasties by trading out draft picks for mature stars.
Recent Approach
Hawks have recently embraced a traditional rebuild, taking the majority of their picks to the draft and even sought to trade out stars for picks (unsuccessfully).
Cats have continued to double down each year on veterans, and have miraculously been able to money ball themselves into basically being a top 6 team for the entire decade since their last flag in 2011.
Future - Short and Long
Geelong once again seem poised to be a strong team in 2022, although they will probably need a lot of luck to knock off the likes of Melbourne/Port/Brisbane who are still young and improving. Hawks will likely miss finals again, but will be blooding youth as they embrace the rebuild.
Where to from here? Will Geelong be able to forever stay in the top 6 using their strategy and pinch a flag here and there? Or will the Hawks with their well-run club complete the rebuild and be back in the top 4 in a few years time?
With an eye to the future and with the current state of each team’s lists, which one would you say is positioned better at the moment?