HAWTHORN legend Peter Hudson says it’s scary to think just how good young spearhead Lance Franklin could be in coming years.
Hudson, who booted 727 goals for the Hawks in nine seasons from 1967-77, says he is in awe watching the 21-year-old forward and warned oppositions the heartache could get worse.
“He’s just unbelievably good to watch,” Hudson said.
“The thing that I question is how good is he going to be? I mean he’s only young and he’ll have a lot to learn because you can’t put an old head on young shoulders.
“But I just think it’s almost frightening to think how good he could be because he does things that I honestly have never seen anyone do on a football field.”
Franklin has played a key role in the Hawks’ early-season success in 2008.
He leads the Coleman Medal race with 10 goals after booting 73 majors in 2007.
Franklin’s fitness and form is likely to determine just how far Hawthorn can go this season – something Hudson is also looking forward to finding out.
Asked if he believed the Hawks were in a position to challenge for a premiership in the coming season, Hudson replied: “Well, I’m looking forward to them playing Geelong”.
“I reckon that could be the match of the decade … the thing that both sides have got is good depth.”
As in 2007, Hawthorn and Geelong are scheduled to meet just once this season – on a Friday night in round 17.
Until then, four-time Coleman Medallist Hudson hopes his old club can keep winning and believes it is better equipped to do so this season than in recent years.
“I think Hawthorn have done very well in building that side,” Hudson said.
“They’ve put the layers in and I think now they’re reaping the rewards of good choices and good management, through those layers.
“I don’t think there’s any rocket science to it, it’s more hard work and good judgement.”
Hudson, who was speaking on Wednesday morning after he and fellow AFL Hall of Fame Legend Bob Skilton received the first two tickets to May 10 Tribute Match, said an example of the Hawks’ depth had been seen in recent weeks.
He said the absence of players such as Shane Crawford, Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis had barely been noticed.
“They can replace them and not miss a beat,” he said.
“To see young [Cameron] Stokes and [Cyril] Rioli come into the side and see what they’ve done, makes you wonder where some of these players when they come back are going to be able to fit in and push these other guys out.”
Hudson believes the Hawks, now firmly in the frame as a contender, can look forward to being a genuine contender for some time.
“I think the days are gone where you can have a side that’s a flash in the pan,” he said.
“In other words, they win it one year and then you don’t hear from them for another 10 years.
“I don’t think the competition, with the draft and the salary cap, is structured for that sort of thing anymore.”
To get your tickets for the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute match, click here.
