So it was no surprise that the media conference leading up to Roughead’s 100th match was filled with questions about his high-profile teammate.
Roughead answered them all but stressed that there is more to the Hawks than the No.23.
“I suppose playing with him every week is the best job in the world. I’ve got the best seat in the house to watch a bloke like him,” Roughead said.
“It’s not just him though, I’ve been lucky to come in with all the young boys we have. I’m probably best mates with Jordy Lewis and Buddy. It’s good to get out there each week and play with your mates.”
Roughead, Franklin and Lewis were Hawthorn’s first three picks in the 2004 draft, Roughead is the first to reach the 100 game milestone, three weeks ahead of Franklin and four ahead of Lewis.
“It’s all right to get the 100 first out of the three of us,” he said.
“We’ve only had a couple of injuries each but they’ve been in pre-season where we’ve been able to get back and be durable.”
The Hawks have hit their best form of the season, winning their last two games against North Melbourne and Collingwood.
But they face a stiff challenge this week when they come against Geelong, the side they beat in last year’s grand final.
Roughead said even though the Cats were sitting two games behind St Kilda on the ladder, they were still the best team in the AFL.
“Personally I do (think they are the best). The way they can have blokes come in and out of their side and contribute each week is a real credit to them,” he said.
Adding some extra spice to the game in rivalry round is the memory of Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett’s public questioning of Geelong’s psyche in the lead-up to their round one clash this year.
Asked about Kennett’s provocative comments, Roughead couldn’t help but laugh them off.
“It was back in round one and uncle Jeff says anything he wants doesn’t he? He’s a little bit different, Jeff but he’s one of those characters you need in footy,” he said.
“That was 16 rounds ago and he’s probably got more grey hairs now than he did back then. Not a worry with me.”
