There is no denying Box Hill Hawks coach Damian Carroll has some gaps to fill in 2013. Missing from the team that fell to eventual premier Geelong in last year’s semi final is a number of key players.
Reliable defenders Tom Murphy, Matthew Jones and Stephen Gilham have departed to pursue their AFL aspirations, while best and fairest winner Tom Schneider has returned to play local football at Vermont.
But rather than dwell on who has left, Carroll is upbeat about those who have arrived in the off-season and a remaining core group of VFL-listed players.
Carroll said the burden would rest with the likes of David Mirra, Luke Andrew, Xavier Murphy, Marc Lock and Michael Thompson to ensure another finals campaign is waiting in September.
“These guys were very good in last year’s finals series and they should be looking at taking the next step in their VFL careers,” Carroll said
“If these guys can step up to another level than there is no doubt we’ll be there abouts, but if we don’t see that improvement than we might struggle.”
Another man pivotal to the Hawks’ chances is delisted Gold Coast Suns midfielder Sam Iles.
The 25-year-old was considered unlucky by many to be let go by the Suns last season and returns to the club where he made his name as a fearless ball winner, capable of matching it with the best in the competition.
“We weren’t too aggressive in terms of recruiting but were rapt to get Sam back to the club,” Carroll said.
“We think he’s pretty unlucky not to be on an AFL list and at the age of 25 we still think his best footy is in front of him.”
“With the age of our group his experience will be really important and obviously he’s a quality player.”
Former Brisbane Lions forward Bryce Retzlaff was another important signing but the 21-year-old isn’t expected on the field until June after complications stemming from a knee reconstruction.
The Hawks should also benefit in the improvement in the Hawthorn-listed players but Carroll said it was time for them to become consistent performers at VFL level.
A host of youngsters including ruckman Sam Grimley, small forward Derick Wanganeen and recycled defender Matt Spangher were prominent in the NAB Cup and will be determined to carry that form into the season ahead.
On the VFL list there is plenty to look forward to with Carroll nominating key-forward Tom Gordon, on-baller Dalton Graham and small forward Patrick Lawlor as players to keep an eye on.
The Hawks face the tough of assignment of taking on Port Melbourne in their season opener this Sunday with the Borough desperate to bounce back from a heavy Round 1 defeat.
Box Hill Hawks
Coach: Damian Carroll
2012 Ladder position: 7th (9 wins, 9 losses,)
2012 Best & Fairest: Tom Schneider
Key recruits: Sam Iles (Gold Coast Suns), Bryce Retzlaff (Brisbane Lions), Matt Spangher (Sydney Swans).
Key losses: Tom Schneider (Vermont), Stephen Gilham (GWS) Tom Murphy (Gold Coast Suns), Beau Muston.
First match: Port Melbourne, Box Hill City Oval, April 7
Last Modified on 05/04/2013 12:17