It is never easy for young players to break into a side that has just won the premiership but seven players managed to pop up for their first senior games, all of whom showed plenty of promise. Ryan Schoenmakers, Liam Shiels, Beau Muston, Shane Savage, Riley Milne, Matthew Suckling and Brendan Whitecross all debuted for the Hawks and all should be a part of Alastair Clarkson’s long-term plans.
Beau Dowler, Josh Kennedy and Travis Tuck have emerged from the fringes to gain confidence at senior level and should be regular AFL players from 2010 onwards.
Cyril Rioli took his game to another level and will be considered an elite AFL player sooner rather than later. Rioli re-signed with the Hawks late in the season in what was possibly the best news the club had all year.
What went wrong?
Injuries. The Hawks had more than their fair share of personnel problems this year and while no one likes to use it as an excuse the instability was evident. Premiership players Trent Croad, Clinton Young, Stuart Dew, Mark Williams, Brent Guerra, Rick Ladson, Xavier Ellis, Cyril Rioli, Luke Hodge and Stephen Gilham all missed significant patches of the season because of injury while plenty of others were out for at least a couple of weeks.
As a result the Hawks were never able to settle, particularly in the back half where they lacked the defensive pressure of 2008. The Hawks struggled for consistency but were kept in the finals race for so long because those around them could not get the job done.
Most valuable player
There are more consistent players at Hawthorn, but Lance Franklin is the undoubted superstar of this side. His 2009 campaign was not as spectacular as last year but it is easy to dismiss just how good he has been. He booted 67 goals – the fourth highest of the League. Jarryd Roughead is a more than handy partner in crime but Buddy is still the main man up forward.
Coach's award for one-percenters
Brad Sewell has evolved from the run-with player he once was to become an important midfield ball-winner. His defensive game is still as good as it has ever been; he averages 6.5 tackles a game, with an astonishing 12 in the round-21 win over Richmond.
Needs a big pre-season
Trent Croad needs everything to go right for him over summer. Croad did not play at all in 2009 because of a foot injury, but the Hawks are showing faith in him. He is still only 29 years old and if he can get his foot right, he could have plenty of senior football left in him. If he has another interrupted summer then it would be hard to come back.
Overall grade: C
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
