WHILE we wait for play to resume, and with the little bit of knowledge we've gleaned from round one, we're taking this opportunity to put the microscope on every club.
THE PRESSURE GAUGE Which coach is under the most heat?
This is Hawthorn's Shutdown Report Card. >> LISTEN IN THE PLAYER BELOW
The biggest lesson from round one was…
There were a few, including that the Hawks' strong run of form to end last year might just continue. However, the victory over Brisbane provided another reminder: if they break even in the clearances then they can hurt you in so many other ways. That's another reason why Tom Mitchell (nine clearances) being back is so important. Hawthorn's a strong intercepting team that generates great drive from the defensive half when it's going well.
What's their weapon in 2020?
Alastair Clarkson's teams are always versatile and we saw that again in the opening round, with Jack Gunston going to half-back in Blake Hardwick's and Jarman Impey's absence. Chad Wingard shone in a midfield-forward role, former No.1 ruckman Ben McEvoy was stationed in defence and newcomer Sam Frost mans talls and smalls. The list goes on – and you never know quite what to expect.
What could be their downfall?
The Hawks failed to kick 100 points last year until the penultimate round but followed up by doing it again the next week. They also kicked an efficient 90 points in round one this season with recruit Jon Patton well held, Tim O'Brien quiet and without the injured Mitch Lewis. The plan is to play all three, at least initially, so it'll be interesting to see how it works while maintaining their forward-half pressure.
Who missed out on round one and what does it mean for them?
Jack Scrimshaw was, perhaps, the unluckiest player to miss selection. An interrupted pre-season, the arrival of Sam Frost, and Ben McEvoy's switch to defence conspired against Scrimshaw. The ex-Sun's still a big part of the brown and gold future. Others such as Conor Nash, Dylan Moore, James Cousins, Harry Jones and Changkuoth Jiath will look to contend for matches once the season resumes.
Which players could benefit from the break between games?
The Hawks could be big winners here. Not only did they bank a win but they could have all of Mitch Lewis, Blake Hardwick and Jarman Impey back for round two, while Paul Puopolo shouldn't miss any games despite undergoing cheekbone surgery following the season opener.
Who looked set for a breakout season?
Hawthorn fielded clearly the oldest (28.1 years) and most experienced (143.2 games) squad out of all clubs in round one. The kids mostly missed out who were on the fringes of selection but second-year Hawks Chad Wingard and Tom Scully – both well-established from previous clubs – seem set for big seasons in 2020.
The marketplace
The unknown nature of what's to come with list sizes means it's an interesting time for out-of-contract Hawks veterans such as Paul Puopolo, Shaun Burgoyne, Ricky Henderson, James Frawley and maybe even Ben Stratton and Isaac Smith. Jack Scrimshaw, Harry Morrison, Dan Howe, Ollie Hanrahan, Conor Glass and Dylan Moore are among those seeking a fresh deal.
