How tall is too tall? That is the question facing Damian Carroll and his Box Hill Hawks coaching staff ahead of Sunday’s Peter Jackson VFL Grand Final, writes David O'Neill
The Hawks have named a forward line bursting with big men to take on Geelong, a move that may prove both a blessing and a curse.
There is almost no doubt the Hawthorn-listed trio of Sam Grimley, Jonathon Ceglar and Luke Lowden will play on Sunday at Etihad Stadium, swapping between the ruck and key forward posts.
But with the 195cm Bryce Retzlaff named in a forward pocket and the inclusion of the versatile Matt Spangher, the Hawks suddenly have a wealth of options in their forward half.
Under the roof at Etihad, a bevy of big men could be the edge the Hawks need to get over the Cats. But it could also be their downfall.
Lowden and Ceglar both stand at 204cm tall, while their likely opponents; Joel Hamling, Matt Sully and the rangy Mitch Brown are all in the mid 190s.
Grimley (199cm) has bagged the most goals of the trio this year with a season tally of 25 and is likely to get first crack in the goal square, but Lowden or Ceglar could become the go-to-man if the match ups go their way.
The Cats, however, will look to exploit the Hawks’ with quick transition of the football, sparked from an attacking half back line.
Geelong’s run and spread was at its best against Williamstown in last weekend’s preliminary final and their fleet-footed on-ball brigade should be even more dangerous on the wide expanses of Etihad.
If the Hawks do play three key forwards on Sunday, a lot will hinge on the ability of Shane Savage, Michael Osborn and Jed Anderson to get to their feet and apply forward pressure.
Lowden, Grimley and Ceglar all booted two goals in the Hawks’ preliminary final win over Werribee last Sunday but it was Savage who did the most damage with five goals.
At the other end, Spangher’s return from the AFL side strengthens the VFL Hawks’ defence, a pivotal inclusion given the threat posed by Cats pair Josh Walker and Shane Kersten.
Along with Kyle Cheney, Spangher has been one of the Hawks’ most consistent performers this season and takes his spot knowing a good performance could win him a berth in an AFL grand final.
In the midfield, Mitch Hallahan, Michael Osborne and Jonathon Simpkin will need to be at their very best against George Horlin-Smith, Troy Selwood and co.
Simpkin has firsthand knowledge of his opponents, having spent the previous two seasons under the guidance of Matthew Knights at the Cats, and is built for the contested nature of grand finals.
The final make-up of the two sides isn't expected to be known until Sunday.
Last Modified on 20/09/2013 12:27