Welcome Welcome to Hawthorn: Matt Hill! CatB rookie, ex-Storm

[SSSSSS]

I've really liked the changes we have made at recruitment. Seems to stem from the Mitchell philosophy of 'bringing your weapons'.

Drafting for obvious strengths rather than looking for Jack of all trades with minimal weaknesses.

Sounds like Matt has plenty of weapons.

 

[MasterSamurai]

Got this feeling we may see young Matt play some senior footy this season.

 

[wahawk]

We’d need someone to either retire or go onto LTI list for that to happen

 

[hilly82]

We’d need someone to either retire or go onto LTI list for that to happen

He’s eligible to Play a senior game, he doesn’t need to wait for LTI or a Retiree..
If Matt had to go into Senior List he would have to wait for LTI or Retiree.

 

[MazHawk]

It's weird, haven't watched him play but he's becoming a bit of a focus of mine.
Maybe from the pathway - AFL then NRL and back to AFL.
Has some amazing traits. I wouldn't be surprised if we see him sooner rather than later.
Good luck Matty.

 

[wahawk]

He’s eligible to Play a senior game, he doesn’t need to wait for LTI or a Retiree..
If Matt had to go into Senior List he would have to wait for LTI or Retiree.

I’m not disagreeing with you but how ?
Have the rules changed ?

 

[eldorado]

I’m not disagreeing with you but how ?
Have the rules changed ?

I'm with you.

 

[wahawk]

Draper played all year from the Cat B list, the rule has changed


edit: See attached from the 2024 rules

View attachment 2156985

It changed in one of the recent CBA updates.

It seems the rules have changed

 

[Newmo89]

I’m not disagreeing with you but how ?
Have the rules changed ?

The Category B rules did change this year which allowed players on the Cat B rookie list to play without being upgraded. Pretty much means now that whoever is on your list is available to play each week if they are fit

 

[OnWardnUpWard]

This has the makings of a legendary thread and I’m here for it.

Go well Hilly!

 

[Rich]

Going to be an interesting watch on quite a few over the pre-season, but I reckon Matt is just about the most intriguing of all.
Very interested to see how he goes.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

View attachment 2156518

Looks in ripping nick, strong yet lean.

Very different to when Hunt made the transition to AFL and to eye he always looked like he was about 5kg too heavy for AFL footy.

 

[CoagVex]

Sensational suff, Hilly, thanks for all the insight!

A few more to ask;
Is he good on both feet?
How good are his skills?
Does he take the game on with running bounces?
Runs in straight lines or good lateral vision?
How good are his evasive skills?
One touch grab/good mark?
Which player does he liken or aspire himself to? Or who would you liken him to?

 

[matey]

Looks like Matt has an amazing side step …… hanging out to see him first time live at preseason training . Bring it on!

 

[Nik_Kershaw]

He’s good at all those assets..
his strengths Top 3 from those and other strengths will be -
Evasive/Explosive Speed
Skills, has left foot when needed
Marks

I won’t name a player who I’d liken him too because me and my family have always said “when” Matt makes NRL or AFL there will be no other player like his style, he’s a hard tackler defensive as hell, he’s attacking freak goal kicker, he jumps on peoples shoulders like nothing and he’s athletic and well balanced..

We all love the good players and the past players but we just think Matt will have a bit of each player who carries his strengths..

We hope he has a good crack at it and hits a good purple patch when he becomes a regular.

Matt’s greatest asset is his 110% competitive spirit he backs himself against ANYONE he’s very very very very competitive

I feel like we've got the number one draft pick

 

[HomerJayS]

Looks in ripping nick, strong yet lean.

Very different to when Hunt made the transition to AFL and to eye he always looked like he was about 5kg too heavy for AFL footy.

Don’t forget Matt played AFL as a kid. He’s not your typical ex-rugby guy with no AFL experience. He's now an AFL player trained to tackle big bodies.

 

[Dewnior]

I feel like we've got the number one draft pick

Wouldn't it be good

 

[toomanysquibs]

I feel like we've got the number one draft pick

As far as vibey post season signings go, Hill's is peak Sam Mitchell era Hawthorn.

Our team is made up of stories exactly like this one. See something you like in a player, hone in on that, and create an environment to help them excel.

Almost every player on our list has variously been described as too maverick, too limited, too slow, too vanilla, too young, too old, too raw, too attacking, too short, and now too rugby league.... to excel at AFL.

 

[Clarkos_Soldier]

Having read all the posts, with special focus on hilly82's incredible insights, I conclude Matt will end his career with the following resume:

4 X premiership champion
2 X norm smiths
4 X Peter Crimmins medals
6 X All Australian
3 X AFLPA most valuable player
Brownlow medallist
NAB Rising Star
2 goals of the year
Mark of the year
2 X leading goal kicker
3 X player of the finals

and a number of other accolades...

Put your house on it!

 

[MazHawk]

Having read all the posts, with special focus on hilly82's incredible insights, I conclude Matt will end his career with the following resume:

4 X premiership champion
2 X norm smiths
4 X Peter Crimmins medals
6 X All Australian
3 X AFLPA most valuable player
Brownlow medallist
NAB Rising Star
2 goals of the year
Mark of the year
2 X leading goal kicker
3 X player of the finals

and a number of other accolades...

Put your house on it!

Oh good, no pressure on Matty then.

 

[Clarkos_Soldier]

Oh good, no pressure on Matty then.

Pressure creates diamonds.

 

[TylerDurden]

Sounds like a young Burgoyne.

 

[Nik_Kershaw]

If only

 

[Bugs1977]

hilly82 prior to Matt choosing the Hawks did Sam Mitchell being the coach have any pull in his decision? I know Sam still has a great relationship with cousin Brad and even with the ongoing court drama with Cyril as well.

 

[Bugs1977]

Sounds like a young Burgoyne.

If he brings is NRL tackling power / technique I was more thinking Byron Pickett. Just imagine that roaming the forward alongside Watson and Dimma. The oppo wouldn't know whether to their on call for an