After 12 rounds we are 6/6, after a poor start to the season, but an encouraging recovery - to this point.
In order to be in the mix in September, we need to play every game on its merit, and continue to improve.
One more round, next week against Essendon, before our split round and a week off to refresh the bodies and focus on the last nine rounds.
Saturday's game against Adelaide gave us some indication of what we are capable of on the field. But we still have some clear areas in which we must improve.
Many deserve mention of their efforts on the weekend, but it is as a team and how we play as a team, that will decide our future this year.
I therefore will only refer to two players in my notes and apologise to the rest.
Luke Hodge is a wonderful General on field. He leads, he inspires, and he succeeds.
Luke is as good as any other player playing in the competition today - and he is committed to Hawthorn as we are to him.
And Roughie - Jarryd Roughead, great to see him back in the goals again, playing tough and winning through.
How many times have you heard me say, it is not how you start a season, a project, a job, but how you finish it?
We'll, we are in the eight but only just. How we play each game from here on will determine our 2010 season.
It will also tell us something about ourselves. Whether we want to win enough, whether we are determined enough, whether we can recapture the spirit, the perseverance and skills that carried us into September in 2008?
I think we saw some of it on Saturday. But tomorrow is a new game, and today's game counts for nought.
So to all, coaches, players and support staff, congratulations on the result against Adelaide. The Hawks are walking tall again.
Stay well,
Jeff Kennett
President
