This Saturday a new Club Champion will be crowned at the 2007 PeterCrimmins Medal. Hawthorn supporter Jacob Attwood takes us through his tipsfor each award at the Hawks’ night of nights.
This season’sAwards Night, to be held at the Crown Palladium Ballroom, has been soldout for several weeks. However, Hawthorn supporters can watch the PeterCrimmins Medal LIVE online, thanks to HawksTV. Broadcast commences at7:15pm.
*************
Despite being far too young to ever see Peter Crimmins roll around the park, I have a brilliant source in my grandfather who tells me he was as tough as he was skilful. The same adjectives can be used for the 2007 Hawks, and it is only fitting that the Club’s most prestigious award be named after him. Which Hawk will take home this honour come October 6? While many played with the courage and brilliance synonymous with the Crimmins name, only one man can take the medal in 2007. While the possibilities, for all awards, are endless, I’ve narrowed it down in my predictions:
Peter Crimmins Medallist – Sam Mitchell
Mitch must be favourite to take home his second medal in as many years. This year he earned the most Brownlow votes of any Hawk since “Crawf” won in 1999, and continues to go from strength to strength year by year. Few are as deserving of such accolades as Sammy, and I personally hope he enjoys his second medal as much as his first.
Runner-Up – Luke Hodge
It appears “Hodgey” will be playing bridesmaid to Sammy for another year. He may not win the medal, but he has plenty else to take from 2007. We knew he could kick, we knew he was tough, we knew he was strong, but we didn’t know he kicked goals! 23 goals, including six against the Bulldogs adds another string to the ever-growing bow of Luke Hodge.
Third – Shane Crawford
It’s tough to split “Sewelly” and “Crawf”, but I’ve gone with the veteran to sneak into third. “Crawf” needed to lead this year, and while he doesn’t have the captaincy he took on a great deal of leadership and helped guide a young side into the Top 8. He still runs like he’s 25 and all Hawks fans hope we reward him with a much-deserved flag before his time is up.
Most Improved – Jarryd Roughead
“Roughie” was in a predicament at the end of 2006. Unsure of his future as a forward or defender, Hawthorn chanced their arm threw him down forward where he delivered 40 goals for the year. His strong hands were something to marvel at, and while my heart remains in my mouth when he lines up for goal he has established himself as a solid contributor for the Hawks.
Best First Year Player – Xavier Ellis
The first year players were given little chance to shine, but Xavier showed glimpses of why he was our first pick in the 2005 draft. With the decision-making skills of a 200-gamer, the calm foot skills to match, and the sad retirement of Joel Smith, expect more game time for “X” in 2008.
Most Consistent – Brad Sewell
While “Sewelly” will just miss out on a place in this years count, he backed up a stellar 2006 with an equal 2007. He established himself as one of the best nullifiers of champion midfielders in the competition, and added attack into his game, showing his ability to penetrate going forward on a number of occasions. His Most Consistent award will add to an increasing trophy cabinet now also containing one David Parkin Medal for his efforts against Carlton.
Best Clubman – Campbell Brown
Does anyone love the club more than Campbell Brown? He deserves a standing ovation for the year he had. The commitment, passion and intensity “Brownie” gave the Hawks every single week was second to none, and the way he sprinted off the ground in the Elimination Final with a corked knee exemplified this. Surely this award can’t be put in anyone else’s hands in 2007.
Best Player in the Finals – Lance Franklin
I was there when the Hawks beat Port in Adelaide in the ’01 Semi, I was there when “Croady” hit the top of the post from 60 out in the Preliminary Final in ’01, and now I can say I was there when “Buddy” dobbed seven in the Elimination Final of ‘07. Franklin the superstar was born that day, and while his impact was blunted in the Semi, he worked hard and still managed six shots on goal. He won us the first final, and battled hard in the Semi – Buddy was my player of the finals.
In 2007 Hawks fans were lucky enough to reap unimaginable rewards for supporting their team, and while at least two dozen men who pulled on the Hawthorn jumper deserve awards of some sort, there are only limited trophies. One thing is for sure; whoever takes the awards home in 2007 truly deserved them.
*************
Watch related media:
PCM - Hawk Street Talk
Read related articles: PCM - Supporter Previews
PCM Preview - Peter Whitten
PCM Preview - Andy King
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author andnot necessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.auwould like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to theOfficial Club website. If you would like to sign up to write forhawthornfc.com.au click here for more details.
This season’sAwards Night, to be held at the Crown Palladium Ballroom, has been soldout for several weeks. However, Hawthorn supporters can watch the PeterCrimmins Medal LIVE online, thanks to HawksTV. Broadcast commences at7:15pm.
*************
Despite being far too young to ever see Peter Crimmins roll around the park, I have a brilliant source in my grandfather who tells me he was as tough as he was skilful. The same adjectives can be used for the 2007 Hawks, and it is only fitting that the Club’s most prestigious award be named after him. Which Hawk will take home this honour come October 6? While many played with the courage and brilliance synonymous with the Crimmins name, only one man can take the medal in 2007. While the possibilities, for all awards, are endless, I’ve narrowed it down in my predictions:
Peter Crimmins Medallist – Sam Mitchell
Mitch must be favourite to take home his second medal in as many years. This year he earned the most Brownlow votes of any Hawk since “Crawf” won in 1999, and continues to go from strength to strength year by year. Few are as deserving of such accolades as Sammy, and I personally hope he enjoys his second medal as much as his first.
Runner-Up – Luke Hodge
It appears “Hodgey” will be playing bridesmaid to Sammy for another year. He may not win the medal, but he has plenty else to take from 2007. We knew he could kick, we knew he was tough, we knew he was strong, but we didn’t know he kicked goals! 23 goals, including six against the Bulldogs adds another string to the ever-growing bow of Luke Hodge.
Third – Shane Crawford
It’s tough to split “Sewelly” and “Crawf”, but I’ve gone with the veteran to sneak into third. “Crawf” needed to lead this year, and while he doesn’t have the captaincy he took on a great deal of leadership and helped guide a young side into the Top 8. He still runs like he’s 25 and all Hawks fans hope we reward him with a much-deserved flag before his time is up.
Most Improved – Jarryd Roughead
“Roughie” was in a predicament at the end of 2006. Unsure of his future as a forward or defender, Hawthorn chanced their arm threw him down forward where he delivered 40 goals for the year. His strong hands were something to marvel at, and while my heart remains in my mouth when he lines up for goal he has established himself as a solid contributor for the Hawks.
Best First Year Player – Xavier Ellis
The first year players were given little chance to shine, but Xavier showed glimpses of why he was our first pick in the 2005 draft. With the decision-making skills of a 200-gamer, the calm foot skills to match, and the sad retirement of Joel Smith, expect more game time for “X” in 2008.
Most Consistent – Brad Sewell
While “Sewelly” will just miss out on a place in this years count, he backed up a stellar 2006 with an equal 2007. He established himself as one of the best nullifiers of champion midfielders in the competition, and added attack into his game, showing his ability to penetrate going forward on a number of occasions. His Most Consistent award will add to an increasing trophy cabinet now also containing one David Parkin Medal for his efforts against Carlton.
Best Clubman – Campbell Brown
Does anyone love the club more than Campbell Brown? He deserves a standing ovation for the year he had. The commitment, passion and intensity “Brownie” gave the Hawks every single week was second to none, and the way he sprinted off the ground in the Elimination Final with a corked knee exemplified this. Surely this award can’t be put in anyone else’s hands in 2007.
Best Player in the Finals – Lance Franklin
I was there when the Hawks beat Port in Adelaide in the ’01 Semi, I was there when “Croady” hit the top of the post from 60 out in the Preliminary Final in ’01, and now I can say I was there when “Buddy” dobbed seven in the Elimination Final of ‘07. Franklin the superstar was born that day, and while his impact was blunted in the Semi, he worked hard and still managed six shots on goal. He won us the first final, and battled hard in the Semi – Buddy was my player of the finals.
In 2007 Hawks fans were lucky enough to reap unimaginable rewards for supporting their team, and while at least two dozen men who pulled on the Hawthorn jumper deserve awards of some sort, there are only limited trophies. One thing is for sure; whoever takes the awards home in 2007 truly deserved them.
*************
Watch related media:
PCM - Hawk Street Talk
Read related articles: PCM - Supporter Previews
PCM Preview - Peter Whitten
PCM Preview - Andy King
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author andnot necessarily those of the Hawthorn Football Club. hawthornfc.com.auwould like to acknowledge the contribution of supporters to theOfficial Club website. If you would like to sign up to write forhawthornfc.com.au click here for more details.
