Tonight night a new Club Champion will be crowned at the 2007 Peter Crimmins Medal. Hawthorn supporters John and Michael Wilson takes us through their tips for each award at the Hawks’ night of nights.
Hawthorn supporters can watch the Peter Crimmins Medal LIVE online, thanks to HawksTV. Broadcast commences at 7:15pm.
*************
In true “Family Club” spirit, father-son team John and Michael Wilson from Melbourne take a look at the prime candidates for awards at tonight’s Peter Crimmins Medal award night.
2007 will be remembered as the season where Hawthorn started to seriously exhibit the benefits of its painful rebuild, and the team found a new level of cohesion and efficiency that created headaches for opponents. Not many in the football world expected Hawthorn to make the Semi Finals this season, and the performances of established and unheralded players alike have been very exciting to watch, and a sight for sore eyes.
So with Hawthorn’s night of nights upon us, it presents a great opportunity to look back on the progress made in 2007, and acknowledge the outstanding individual performances. Picking favourites for each award is a harder task than is has been in years, and as a father-son judging panel, we’ve worked our way through some differences in opinion to come up with our picks for each prize.
Best Clubman
This one is likely to be a nod to the contribution of one of the 3 retirees – Joel Smith, Richie Vandenberg, or Ben Dixon - each of whom have made significant contributions to the club over the past decade. The Best Clubman makes a contribution to the team that extends beyond playing his role, and this award is highly regarded inside the Club.
Ben Dixon has been gradually gaining recognition for the unheralded work he has done for the Club on and off the field. Particularly notable is his mentoring role with the Hawks’ young forwards, including Lance Franklin. As Buddy’s personal minder over the last season or two, Dixon’s professionalism and discipline has benefited other players, and the team as a whole.
In our opinion, Dixon’s fine contribution has been eclipsed by captain Richie Vandenberg, who suffered a very injury interrupted season. From an outsider’s perspective, he remained visible and positive throughout the season, and his contribution to Hawthorn’s internal culture and position was made clear by Alistair Clarkson and the playing group at the time of his retirement. "Without Vanders, we wouldn't be where we are”, commented Vice Captain Sam Mitchell.
Throughout the year journalists were on Vanders’ back, stating that he was not in Hawthorn’s 22, and that he was an undeserving captain. Being on the sidelines through injury meant that he was unable to answer his critics through action, but Vandenberg without exception placed the team before his own reputation – never losing his temperament in interviews, and often allowing the Coach and playing group to respond on his behalf.
After returning late in the season, Vandenberg announced his retirement prior to the elimination final. In what could have been his last game, he completely shut Crows’ champ Andrew McLeod out of the game – never giving him an inch, and never losing focus. While Crawf and Franklin shone that day, it was perhaps Richie Vandenberg that made the crucial difference in the midfield that changed the tone of the game.
Prediction: Richie Vandenberg.
Honourable mention: Ben Dixon.
Best Player in the Finals Series
A difficult one, as the players who fired in our sensational Elimination Final victory against Adelaide were generally subdued in the Semi Final against the Kangaroos the following week.
Lance Franklin slotted through 10 goals in the 2 games, including his fantastic Elimination Final performance, but struggled to find consistent focus the following week, coughing up a lot of free kicks. Campbell Brown was very serviceable in the two matches, and his ability to play through pain allowed him to remain effective throughout.
While there were numerous outstanding individual performances against Adelaide, our choice is a player who embodied the effective and disciplined football that is required to regularly win Finals.
Brad Sewell stood out by delivering two high level performances. Although neither performance reached the lofty heights of Buddy Franklin’s game against Adelaide, he was Hawthorn’s best player in the match against the Kangaroos when many of his teammates went missing. Sewell’s form in the second half of the season had tapered off from his phenomenal first 12 games, meaning that he entered the Final Series with a question mark over his form and the challenge to respond. He rose to that challenge and showed that he is capable of performing on the big stage, averaging almost 20 handballs per game in the Finals, and displaying grit and initiative when the side was not firing.
Prediction: Brad Sewell.
Honourable mention: Lance Franklin, Campbell Brown.
Most Improved
Hawthorn’s swift rise up the ladder in 2007 was driven by improvement in many players around the ground, so the competition is hot for this award. Brad Sewell, Ben McGlynn, Stephen Gilham, Clint Young, Rick Ladson and Tim Boyle all have legitimate claims, but we keep coming back to #23.
For sound reasons, the club is reluctant to build excessive hype around Lance Franklin’s progress as a player, but his improvement was fundamental to Hawthorn reaching the Finals in 2007. With Mark Williams going down to a season-ending injury in round 4, our inexperienced forward line was left very much exposed. Franklin reacted by kicking 15 goals in the subsequent 2 matches, and it was clear that a quantum leap had been made. The season rolled on for the Hawks, with Franklin finishing with 73 goals – second on the league table. His shots on goal for the season soared from 40 in 2006 to 135 in 2007, with some inaccurate kicking days preventing him from making this improvement even more striking.
The highlight was undoubtedly his massive goal to clinch victory over Adelaide in the elimination final, and there is considerable room for further improvement in Buddy’s game. Most pleasing for many fans this year was the addition of strong overhead marking to his game, making defensive matchups all the more difficult for opponents.
Prediction: Lance Franklin
Honourable mention: Ben McGlynn
Most Consistent
Unlike previous years, 2007 didn’t contain an extended string of losses for the Hawks. This was not just thanks to a decent run with injuries and improvement from the youngsters, but also and the consistent performances of a number of our key players.
While largely unheralded, Trent Croad’s season was very consistent indeed. Taking on the opposition’s most potent tall forward each week, Croad’s application and athleticism meant he rarely had a bad day. As Hawthorn’s only experienced tall defender, his consistency was crucial to the function of our backline.
However our pick for the award is another defender – the indestructible Campbell Brown. Guy McKenna’s effusive praise for the recently deceased Chris Mainwaring is similar to the way that we saw Campbell Brown’s 2007. "There were more talented players in our side, but even they had flat patches that went longer than that. But week in week out, rain, hail or shine, you were going to get an eight out of 10 performance. That was all due to his workrate."
As he demonstrates week in week out, Brown is willing to do pretty much anything it takes to help the team. It doesn’t matter whether we’re winning or losing, the same unflinching commitment to the ball has always been on display in 2007. Additionally, he has successfully punched (pardon the pun) out of his weight division on stellar opponents such as Pavlich and Reiwoldt, in addition to being tasked with smaller forwards some weeks. Despite the wide variety of matchups he’s been given, the same consistency was maintained throughout – no mean feat.
Prediction: Campbell Brown
Honourable mention: Trent Croad
Best First Year Player
If the criteria require the winner to have made his debut in 2007, Xavier Ellis wins almost by default. As the only debutant to record more than a handful of games, Ellis displayed poise and disposal that points to a long-term role in the side. In his last 5 games of the year, Ellis notched 79 disposals at 15.8 a game, which included considerable time on the pine. As he continues to gain experience and develop physically, he will be able to add more strings to his bow, and build on his promising first year of AFL football. We’re anticipating that the 2008 model Xavier Ellis will be a significant upgrade on what we’ve seen already.
If the criteria are slightly broader, Ben McGlynn and Stephen Gilham come into the frame. Both added to Hawthorn’s senior list in 2007 after 4 games off the rookie list the previous year, McGlynn and Gilham have come on to play important roles in the side’s march to the Finals.
This time last year the club identified a major hole at full back, and diligently pursued Carlton’s Bret Thornton. This trade was unable to be made, but Gilham stepped up to admirably play the role in 2007, often against larger opponents. McGlynn is another Box Hill Hawks success story, and is the product of hard work. Cementing a role in Hawthorn’s midfield, McGlynn impressed with his hard running, tenacity, and ability to kick goals. Unlucky to miss selection in the finals due to a nagging injury, Ben has all the motivation he needs to hit the ground running in 2008.
Prediction: For a 2007 debut, Xavier Ellis.
Honourable mention: Ben McGlynn.
PCM, runner-up and third place
A difficult one – there are 6 or 7 players who wouldn’t look out of place getting the medal.
Jordan Lewis enjoyed a very productive season this year, where his running power improved to allow him to apply his ball getting ability to more contests than ever before. Finishing as Hawthorn’s leading possession winner for the season, Lewis’ toughness and consistency freed up players such as Shane Crawford and Luke Hodge to take on other roles as required.
Brad Sewell started the year on fire, taking scalp after scalp in tagging roles on star players. In addition to this, Sewell was damaging offensively, picking up high numbers of possessions and linking up through the midfield. A sensational hard-work story, he continues to develop as a player.
Campbell Brown embodies the spirit of the Hawthorn that Alistair Clarkson is seeking to build, and was immensely valuable in the backline with his development into a true fix-it player. Definitely the best season of his career, his fantastic 2007 was recognised with All-Australian selection.
That’s the honourable mentions done – onto our picks for the Peter Crimmins medal, and the runners up.
Peter Crimmins Medal winner: Luke Hodge
Sure, we’re used to Luke Hodge being Luke Hodge already, but 2007 was another step forward for him. Playing every match, Hodge continued to be damaging even when carrying injuries, and added more facets to his game.
Started the season regularly in defence, he finished the season in a more attacking role. His toughness, aggression, determination, and exceptional kicking to position were hallmarks again, and his onfield leadership was vital in the absence of Richie Vandenberg. The precision of his disposal by foot enabled us to cut up defensive structures and keep the ball moving in high pressure games.
There probably isn’t a more versatile player in the league at the moment – Hodge has proven his ability as a strike forward in 2007. He doesn’t just fill gaps in positions to cover for injuries; Hodgey has the ability to win games for the team in each of the three zones, and play tall or short within each zone. This adaptability allows our other players to remain in the roles in which they’re the most effective, which boosts the output of the whole side as a unit.
Runner up: Sam Mitchell
It almost seems like Sam Mitchell did nothing special in 2007, such is the way that he has spoiled us with fantastic football over the last 4 or 5 seasons. Remarkably consistent, team-oriented, and hard at the ball, Sammy makes life easier for everyone else in the side.
Whilst still not kicking enough goals – 2 for the season, he initiates many opportunities for team mates around him, being at the start of our attacking surges rather than the finish. His ability to retain his feet under severe pressure is phenomenal and his quick clearances from stoppages gave Hawthorn’s forwards a considerable advantage in 2007. Mitchell only missed one game this season, but in that game Brent Harvey collected 3 Brownlow votes, and Hawthorn lacked organisation through the midfield. This points to the value of “The extractor” to our lineup, and the value he delivered once again this season.
Third place: Shane Crawford
Rapidly earning an “evergreen” prefix to his name, Crawford continued to accumulate high possession numbers in 2007, and is not being downgraded to a pinch hitting role off the bench as is the case with so many other veteran players. Is still able to break the lines and does not give indication that he is slowing down even at 33. The emergence of the “Buddy’s Box” forward line structure has enabled Crawf to play a hybrid wing / HFF role, where he can capitalise on his amazing running endurance – a real asset to the team structure. Clearly enjoying his football and the team that now surrounds him; we hope that Crawford’s excellent 2007 form continues next season.
Honourable mention: Campbell Brown, Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell.
While the Club is aware of the need to focus on 2008 to ensure that our improvement this year is built upon, it’s important to savour the positives from the season just gone. We extend our congratulations to the players for their performances in 2007, and the enjoyment that each one of them has brought the pair of us as we’ve bellowed from the stands. Go Hawks!
*************
Watch related media:
PCM - Hawk Street Talk
Read related articles: PCM - Supporter Previews
PCM preview - Krishan Perera
PCM preview - Dean Rule
PCM preview - Jacob Attwood
PCM preview - Peter Whitten
PCM preview - Andy King
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.au would like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to the Official Club website. If you would like to sign up to write for hawthornfc.com.au click here for more details.
Hawthorn supporters can watch the Peter Crimmins Medal LIVE online, thanks to HawksTV. Broadcast commences at 7:15pm.
*************
In true “Family Club” spirit, father-son team John and Michael Wilson from Melbourne take a look at the prime candidates for awards at tonight’s Peter Crimmins Medal award night.
2007 will be remembered as the season where Hawthorn started to seriously exhibit the benefits of its painful rebuild, and the team found a new level of cohesion and efficiency that created headaches for opponents. Not many in the football world expected Hawthorn to make the Semi Finals this season, and the performances of established and unheralded players alike have been very exciting to watch, and a sight for sore eyes.
So with Hawthorn’s night of nights upon us, it presents a great opportunity to look back on the progress made in 2007, and acknowledge the outstanding individual performances. Picking favourites for each award is a harder task than is has been in years, and as a father-son judging panel, we’ve worked our way through some differences in opinion to come up with our picks for each prize.
Best Clubman
This one is likely to be a nod to the contribution of one of the 3 retirees – Joel Smith, Richie Vandenberg, or Ben Dixon - each of whom have made significant contributions to the club over the past decade. The Best Clubman makes a contribution to the team that extends beyond playing his role, and this award is highly regarded inside the Club.
Ben Dixon has been gradually gaining recognition for the unheralded work he has done for the Club on and off the field. Particularly notable is his mentoring role with the Hawks’ young forwards, including Lance Franklin. As Buddy’s personal minder over the last season or two, Dixon’s professionalism and discipline has benefited other players, and the team as a whole.
In our opinion, Dixon’s fine contribution has been eclipsed by captain Richie Vandenberg, who suffered a very injury interrupted season. From an outsider’s perspective, he remained visible and positive throughout the season, and his contribution to Hawthorn’s internal culture and position was made clear by Alistair Clarkson and the playing group at the time of his retirement. "Without Vanders, we wouldn't be where we are”, commented Vice Captain Sam Mitchell.
Throughout the year journalists were on Vanders’ back, stating that he was not in Hawthorn’s 22, and that he was an undeserving captain. Being on the sidelines through injury meant that he was unable to answer his critics through action, but Vandenberg without exception placed the team before his own reputation – never losing his temperament in interviews, and often allowing the Coach and playing group to respond on his behalf.
After returning late in the season, Vandenberg announced his retirement prior to the elimination final. In what could have been his last game, he completely shut Crows’ champ Andrew McLeod out of the game – never giving him an inch, and never losing focus. While Crawf and Franklin shone that day, it was perhaps Richie Vandenberg that made the crucial difference in the midfield that changed the tone of the game.
Prediction: Richie Vandenberg.
Honourable mention: Ben Dixon.
Best Player in the Finals Series
A difficult one, as the players who fired in our sensational Elimination Final victory against Adelaide were generally subdued in the Semi Final against the Kangaroos the following week.
Lance Franklin slotted through 10 goals in the 2 games, including his fantastic Elimination Final performance, but struggled to find consistent focus the following week, coughing up a lot of free kicks. Campbell Brown was very serviceable in the two matches, and his ability to play through pain allowed him to remain effective throughout.
While there were numerous outstanding individual performances against Adelaide, our choice is a player who embodied the effective and disciplined football that is required to regularly win Finals.
Brad Sewell stood out by delivering two high level performances. Although neither performance reached the lofty heights of Buddy Franklin’s game against Adelaide, he was Hawthorn’s best player in the match against the Kangaroos when many of his teammates went missing. Sewell’s form in the second half of the season had tapered off from his phenomenal first 12 games, meaning that he entered the Final Series with a question mark over his form and the challenge to respond. He rose to that challenge and showed that he is capable of performing on the big stage, averaging almost 20 handballs per game in the Finals, and displaying grit and initiative when the side was not firing.
Prediction: Brad Sewell.
Honourable mention: Lance Franklin, Campbell Brown.
Most Improved
Hawthorn’s swift rise up the ladder in 2007 was driven by improvement in many players around the ground, so the competition is hot for this award. Brad Sewell, Ben McGlynn, Stephen Gilham, Clint Young, Rick Ladson and Tim Boyle all have legitimate claims, but we keep coming back to #23.
For sound reasons, the club is reluctant to build excessive hype around Lance Franklin’s progress as a player, but his improvement was fundamental to Hawthorn reaching the Finals in 2007. With Mark Williams going down to a season-ending injury in round 4, our inexperienced forward line was left very much exposed. Franklin reacted by kicking 15 goals in the subsequent 2 matches, and it was clear that a quantum leap had been made. The season rolled on for the Hawks, with Franklin finishing with 73 goals – second on the league table. His shots on goal for the season soared from 40 in 2006 to 135 in 2007, with some inaccurate kicking days preventing him from making this improvement even more striking.
The highlight was undoubtedly his massive goal to clinch victory over Adelaide in the elimination final, and there is considerable room for further improvement in Buddy’s game. Most pleasing for many fans this year was the addition of strong overhead marking to his game, making defensive matchups all the more difficult for opponents.
Prediction: Lance Franklin
Honourable mention: Ben McGlynn
Most Consistent
Unlike previous years, 2007 didn’t contain an extended string of losses for the Hawks. This was not just thanks to a decent run with injuries and improvement from the youngsters, but also and the consistent performances of a number of our key players.
While largely unheralded, Trent Croad’s season was very consistent indeed. Taking on the opposition’s most potent tall forward each week, Croad’s application and athleticism meant he rarely had a bad day. As Hawthorn’s only experienced tall defender, his consistency was crucial to the function of our backline.
However our pick for the award is another defender – the indestructible Campbell Brown. Guy McKenna’s effusive praise for the recently deceased Chris Mainwaring is similar to the way that we saw Campbell Brown’s 2007. "There were more talented players in our side, but even they had flat patches that went longer than that. But week in week out, rain, hail or shine, you were going to get an eight out of 10 performance. That was all due to his workrate."
As he demonstrates week in week out, Brown is willing to do pretty much anything it takes to help the team. It doesn’t matter whether we’re winning or losing, the same unflinching commitment to the ball has always been on display in 2007. Additionally, he has successfully punched (pardon the pun) out of his weight division on stellar opponents such as Pavlich and Reiwoldt, in addition to being tasked with smaller forwards some weeks. Despite the wide variety of matchups he’s been given, the same consistency was maintained throughout – no mean feat.
Prediction: Campbell Brown
Honourable mention: Trent Croad
Best First Year Player
If the criteria require the winner to have made his debut in 2007, Xavier Ellis wins almost by default. As the only debutant to record more than a handful of games, Ellis displayed poise and disposal that points to a long-term role in the side. In his last 5 games of the year, Ellis notched 79 disposals at 15.8 a game, which included considerable time on the pine. As he continues to gain experience and develop physically, he will be able to add more strings to his bow, and build on his promising first year of AFL football. We’re anticipating that the 2008 model Xavier Ellis will be a significant upgrade on what we’ve seen already.
If the criteria are slightly broader, Ben McGlynn and Stephen Gilham come into the frame. Both added to Hawthorn’s senior list in 2007 after 4 games off the rookie list the previous year, McGlynn and Gilham have come on to play important roles in the side’s march to the Finals.
This time last year the club identified a major hole at full back, and diligently pursued Carlton’s Bret Thornton. This trade was unable to be made, but Gilham stepped up to admirably play the role in 2007, often against larger opponents. McGlynn is another Box Hill Hawks success story, and is the product of hard work. Cementing a role in Hawthorn’s midfield, McGlynn impressed with his hard running, tenacity, and ability to kick goals. Unlucky to miss selection in the finals due to a nagging injury, Ben has all the motivation he needs to hit the ground running in 2008.
Prediction: For a 2007 debut, Xavier Ellis.
Honourable mention: Ben McGlynn.
PCM, runner-up and third place
A difficult one – there are 6 or 7 players who wouldn’t look out of place getting the medal.
Jordan Lewis enjoyed a very productive season this year, where his running power improved to allow him to apply his ball getting ability to more contests than ever before. Finishing as Hawthorn’s leading possession winner for the season, Lewis’ toughness and consistency freed up players such as Shane Crawford and Luke Hodge to take on other roles as required.
Brad Sewell started the year on fire, taking scalp after scalp in tagging roles on star players. In addition to this, Sewell was damaging offensively, picking up high numbers of possessions and linking up through the midfield. A sensational hard-work story, he continues to develop as a player.
Campbell Brown embodies the spirit of the Hawthorn that Alistair Clarkson is seeking to build, and was immensely valuable in the backline with his development into a true fix-it player. Definitely the best season of his career, his fantastic 2007 was recognised with All-Australian selection.
That’s the honourable mentions done – onto our picks for the Peter Crimmins medal, and the runners up.
Peter Crimmins Medal winner: Luke Hodge
Sure, we’re used to Luke Hodge being Luke Hodge already, but 2007 was another step forward for him. Playing every match, Hodge continued to be damaging even when carrying injuries, and added more facets to his game.
Started the season regularly in defence, he finished the season in a more attacking role. His toughness, aggression, determination, and exceptional kicking to position were hallmarks again, and his onfield leadership was vital in the absence of Richie Vandenberg. The precision of his disposal by foot enabled us to cut up defensive structures and keep the ball moving in high pressure games.
There probably isn’t a more versatile player in the league at the moment – Hodge has proven his ability as a strike forward in 2007. He doesn’t just fill gaps in positions to cover for injuries; Hodgey has the ability to win games for the team in each of the three zones, and play tall or short within each zone. This adaptability allows our other players to remain in the roles in which they’re the most effective, which boosts the output of the whole side as a unit.
Runner up: Sam Mitchell
It almost seems like Sam Mitchell did nothing special in 2007, such is the way that he has spoiled us with fantastic football over the last 4 or 5 seasons. Remarkably consistent, team-oriented, and hard at the ball, Sammy makes life easier for everyone else in the side.
Whilst still not kicking enough goals – 2 for the season, he initiates many opportunities for team mates around him, being at the start of our attacking surges rather than the finish. His ability to retain his feet under severe pressure is phenomenal and his quick clearances from stoppages gave Hawthorn’s forwards a considerable advantage in 2007. Mitchell only missed one game this season, but in that game Brent Harvey collected 3 Brownlow votes, and Hawthorn lacked organisation through the midfield. This points to the value of “The extractor” to our lineup, and the value he delivered once again this season.
Third place: Shane Crawford
Rapidly earning an “evergreen” prefix to his name, Crawford continued to accumulate high possession numbers in 2007, and is not being downgraded to a pinch hitting role off the bench as is the case with so many other veteran players. Is still able to break the lines and does not give indication that he is slowing down even at 33. The emergence of the “Buddy’s Box” forward line structure has enabled Crawf to play a hybrid wing / HFF role, where he can capitalise on his amazing running endurance – a real asset to the team structure. Clearly enjoying his football and the team that now surrounds him; we hope that Crawford’s excellent 2007 form continues next season.
Honourable mention: Campbell Brown, Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell.
While the Club is aware of the need to focus on 2008 to ensure that our improvement this year is built upon, it’s important to savour the positives from the season just gone. We extend our congratulations to the players for their performances in 2007, and the enjoyment that each one of them has brought the pair of us as we’ve bellowed from the stands. Go Hawks!
*************
Watch related media:
PCM - Hawk Street Talk
Read related articles: PCM - Supporter Previews
PCM preview - Krishan Perera
PCM preview - Dean Rule
PCM preview - Jacob Attwood
PCM preview - Peter Whitten
PCM preview - Andy King
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.au would like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to the Official Club website. If you would like to sign up to write for hawthornfc.com.au click here for more details.
