The Senior Team Review
Looking ahead to this week's Qualifying Final against Sunbury, we take a look at all the players who had the privilege of playing and contributing to the outstanding efforts of the Senior team.
Aaron Gove:-Govey's return to senior level football this year was extraordinary. His performance and persistence all year in the midfield in the 2nds team saw him rewarded with a Senior call-up against the Kangaroos at home. The game was played in rugged, tough and difficult conditions, just the way Govey loves to play his football. He played well on the day as the club saw a bigger taste of what is to come for someone who would have made a special someone very proud
Damien Wood:-An arousing reception from the club saw Woody set to take the competition by storm. His season was delayed with injuries and fought very hard to get back onto the field. Consequently, ongoing injuries stopped the big man from making a major impact this year and season was tragically cut short on the eve of the finals. In a season that hasn't been kind to big players, it was a sad loss.
Brent Olivieri:- Ollie's leadership and persistence all season saw him called up to play a home game against Melton at Lancefield. While not completely in his element, he filled the roles of playing in the forward and back positions well on a much deserved taste of Senior football from a player who has had enormous experience at Gisborne.
Joel Goodyear:-Joely worked extremely hard all pre-season to line up in the early rounds of the team with the rugged red-haired speedster emulating his brother Goodsy with dash off the wing and half back. A trip to Europe was always in mind yet again and with success looming, did he make the right choice?
Marcus Stevens:- Reserves Captain Muppet loves nothing more than knocking over opposition players and putting his body on the line. His strong man of steel frame enables his fearless approach at the football to become a weapon for the team. While only a handful of games to his name when injuries to big players were constant, he still rose to the occasion with his leadership and endless chatter. A great service to any team.
Justin Rodda:- Hotrod just happened to be at the right place at the right time. While a senior selection wasn't beyond him when he joined the club pre-season, he continued to work hard in the Reserves as the leading tap ruckman. His tireless effort and run was rewarded with a call up against Macedon in Round 10 where he impressed everyone and giving hope to other Reserves players to make it at Senior level. He backed up the following week with a stellar performance in the ice cold conditions against Riddell before making way for Stace
Dean Egan:- Deano started the year like a house on fire after a big round 1 performance against Macedon, his call up to Senior level was an easy choice. He backed up his selection with 4 goals against Lancefield in his 2nd game and it was set to be his year. A lack of confidence maybe saw his form drop and saw him play out his remaining games in the Reserves. This was a big loss to the team because a big raging Deano (Brother of Michael from Geelong) is a threat to any team.
Liam O'Meara:- Burgs didn't have the opportunities he would've liked at Senior level this year but that didn't prevent him from playing some big stopping on some of the competitions key forwards before sliding down to his home comfort up football to kick 2 goals. While there were plenty of big men of his calibre to play in the Senior team, he was unfortunately a sacrifice of a growing team. We have no doubt he knows how to make it at that level.
Joel Taylor:- Billie Joel worked extremely hard all pre-season to make it at Senior level this year and was rewarded with his debut match at Melton where he simply blitzed at half back. His consistency in the team was strong but as the confidence from other players of his ability grew, the pressure to maintain his spot became difficult. While out of the team he continued to work hard on his efforts to win back his spot which he did against Sunbury at home. Unfortunately fate went against him as a nagging 2 year back injury gave way during the team warm up and wasn't able to play and setting him back. But a fit Joel Taylor in season 2008 will mean big danger for the competition.
Travis Leggett:- The unluckiest player in the team never to play every game. Legzy is blessed with pure talent and his skill of using the ball and effectively passing it to team mates is seen to be believed. He had limited opportunities this year with again, more players of his calibre already established members of the squad taking his position. Having played with Gary Ablett Jr and much better than him, so we believe... he will dominate the finals if given another call up. His best game this year was against Romsey at home where he kicked 3 goals and set up 4 or 5 others.
Brett Shea:- work commitments in auctioning cattle got in the way of Sheabo really blowing away the opposition this year but that's not to say he hadn't done that. He mastered his role as a sweeper across the back pocket and shut down many big opposition players. He's played the last 5 games of the season and done his role brilliantly using his strong spoiling and ranking left foot. He gets better every week and is a key ingredient to the team's late success.
Darko Dabrovsak:-Darks was a fantastic player to watch this season. His height and strong marking ability was a big threat against the opposition and while he sometimes had to fend off 2 or 3 players in a contest, he would use his ability to knock the ball to a team mate and set up a goal scoring chance. His aging body took the better of him as the season wore on and injury stopped his run of form. On the Eve of round 18, his comeback was ended and his season came to a sad end. The curse of the talls struck again but we know how great he is when fully fit.
Paul Vella:- Puzza transferred to the Hawks from rival club Macedon during the pre-season and made an immediate impact in the team. Long had he troubled Woodend U18 sides with his freakish goal sense and hard running with a great sense of relief from many Hawk players to switch teams. His pace was a vital cog in the team when needed for a fresh burst of pace to get more drive out of the centre. Used in patches, he still managed to kick goals and create opportunities for team mates to send the ball forward. Limited opportunities in the Senior team shouldn't see him feel disappointed because when he does return, he is the type of player who can kick 2 or 3 goals in quick time to change the tide of the game. Watch him in September.
Luke Barker:-After transferring from Kyneton mid-season, Digger returned to form which saw him Captain of the team for several seasons. While he remains quiet on the field, his leadership with his ball use speaks more than words can ever say. His great leading from the forward line and contested mark opportunities has seen him consistently stand out to be one of the main forward pressure players every week. He will be desperate to make the most of the finals where he didn't think he'd be at the start of the season at Woodend.
Dale Ciunik:-Cuzza is one of the most damaging players in the competition when fully fit... He has been struck by knee problems which has hampered his opportunities to string many games together which is a disappointment for everyone who knows his ability. He is one of the cleanest uses of the ball in the team in the midfield and will hit a target with every disposal because he is extremely efficient. While making a big return through the 2nds in the last week, he is a certain starter in the Senior team for September action.
Kar Weng Ng:- After a late start to the season from Ninga, he has mastered and held down his role at Centre Half Back. While his trip to the Caribbean to watch the Aussies smash opposition in the Cricket World Cup could have slowed his return, he still continued to work just as hard as any other player off the field, including arriving at training just an hour after his flight home from overseas. He is a master of defensive spoils and sacrificing his body in marking contests to protect a team mate. There is no doubting his ability and a team without Ninga will struggle because he is one of the most consistent players in the team which he has shown all year.
Robert Martin:- Disco has been a fantastic and tireless worker from the backline all season. After early battles with injury and working his way back into the line up, he has worked hard on improving his speed and agility which has reflected in his 10 performances this year as his strong run from the backline and rebounding from 50 has caused many headaches for opposition players. His place was lost on the eve of the final round but no-one will doubt that he will come under heavy contention at the selection table in September.
David Patterson:-Tacka has received great praise this season for his sensational work ethic around the ball and off the backline this season. He has become one of the more profound taggers in the line up with run with roles on some of the opposition club's biggest ball winners, reducing their impact and having the Hawks win the game. While he hasn't won much of the ball this season as an onballer, he has done his job extremely well when asked of and his fight with injuries have seen him play better within himself.
Nick Hannett:-Nicko has been a fantastic player this year as a running left footer pocket dynamo. There is no question his work ethic this season as his lethal left foot kicks have been dagger in the hearts of opposing players. He knows how to find the football and has a great football brain when it comes to using the ball under pressure and passing it to team mates. His age may suggest his time could be up in coming seasons but his speed and fitness look like that of an 18 year old. A return from injury and holidaying in the US has seen him return to form at the right time of the season and will be a big influence on the results in September.
Ben Shippard:- Shippy has been a solid contributor this season where he has stepped up from U18's level. While he hasn't dominated games like he has in the past, his consistency with his disposal, use and overhead marking has earned him the respect and appreciation from all club members. In his first full season at this level, you can question why he wasn't chosen by TAC cup Calder Cannons team because he is blessed with great skill. We hope to see him back in the team before the year is out as he truly deserves the rewards he's had this year.
Daniel Sipthorp:-Danny was one of the biggest recruits of the competition during pre-season after coming over from Gisborne. He returned to his home club and lived up the enjoyment of playing football with his mates again. A delayed start to the season with injury didn't trouble him as he made his anticipated first game appearance at Rockbank and hasn't looked back since. His rugged in and under courage has seen him decimate many opposition clubs and his form has travelled well as the season progressed. A great asset to the team, he can play onball, in the ruck and up forward to go with his great versatility. His body strength in marking contests has cased opposition headaches and continues to press his previous success to the Hawks this finals campaign.
Guy Donovan:-It would be fair to say that if Banga had've played every game this season, he would have achieved great individual accolades for his tremendous service to the team, but that doesn't bother him because he isn't concerned about individual honours, but instead doing the best he can for the team. A great onballer, he plays the game tough and is on the bottom of every pack in over the ground. He can kick well on both sides of the body and according to recent statistics, he would be leading in the inside 50s and leading ranking points. A great addition to the team from Pod's army of great players and will rise to true form in finals.
Matthew Stacey:-Stace's 3rd year at Senior level has been a highly successful one. Prior to a major injury scare mid-season, many had touted him to be leading the best and fairest count and as a contender for the Bowen medal. While still just 19, his height and body strength has been instrumental in getting first use of the ball in ruck contests and around the ground contested marks. While he hasn't kicked as many goals this year, he has done most of his great work up the ground where he has used his size to set up smaller players for goal scoring chances. A full recovery from injury has seen him return back to his best form at the right time of the season where he is still determined to win a premiership.
Adam Morton :-The big Texan, Suma, Carey... every name in the book that can describe this courageous and determined player has faced all obstacles heaved his way this year and has lived up to the names handed to him on a silver plater. The big Texan has done tremendously to fight his way back into the team this year after a spell in the 2nds but he has come back and hit back as hard as ever with his devastating ball use and running on from marks. He has earned the title 'The Comeback King' because he has refined his confidence and form to play a deserving role in the team for September.
Anthony Fox :- Foxy has been a real impact player this year since coming to the team from a Melbourne based club. His determination at the ball is often reflected in his attitude towards his opponents which shows just how much he loves his footy. He has been restricted this year with ongoing injuries but when he is fit, he is a certainty in the line up and delivers with precision, run off half back. He has had many highlights this season with the Hawks but we think his outburst against Melton at Lancefield rates as a big one (swearing at the Melton bench after they suggested he was hit downstairs), it makes you love country footy. A senior team in September wouldn't be the same without him.
James Hardwick:- Jimmy has been a sensational addition to the Senior line up this year with his height and mobility creating much un-needed headaches for opposing teams. Starting off the year at Centre Half Back before Ninga returned, he was in all contested mark situations in the back half and rarely let his opponent get into space. On Ninga's return, Jimmy played a changing role with Stace off the bench in the ruck and exploded with his aerial strength and ability. Injuries hampered his season to get any real momentum but we sense he'll have a big impact when he returns to full fitness.
Luke Hardwick:- Lukey has been a great asset for the Hawks this year since joining the club with his brother Jimmy. He has great hunger for contested situations and will often see him throwing his body around at ground level and knocking the ball out to team mates. He represents a selfless player who puts the safety of the team ahead of his own. He is one player every coach wants to have in their team because he constantly does his job every week without fuss and while he doesn't shine out as much as other players, he is just as strong and consistent.
Mark Williams: Super is one of the greatest characters you could ever have in a football team and is extremely committed to his task along the backline as the general who not only controls the ball at ground level but masters the act of the spoil in the air. While he has spent the last month playing in the 2nds after playing the first 14 games, we trust that his inspiration and continued form will have selectors desperately crying out for his services. He is a great leader and talks around the ball endlessly to ensure that the first player that comes out of his defensive area is a Hawk in the clear.
Jay Downing: Juba has been a great contributor this season in the backline and shows enormous ability for a player who has barely turned 19. Much is expected of his hard and nuggetty attack on the ball and with his flare and great disposal, he delivers every week. While he hasn't reached the peak of years gone before him at this level, he has done everything to reserve his spot in the team where we have no doubt will have for a long time as the other 21 players lift with his abilities to take apart teams. Desperate to atone for last year's Prelim, we are guaranteed he'll do his best to get past that hurdle.
Adam Johnstone: Captain courageous Johnno has put together another stella performance this season leading his team from the front from siren to siren. His role as an onballer has had many players try to shut him down without too much success as he continues to win the football and get the ball to team mates downfield. His consistent form this season will see him poll well in the Best and Fairest but his eyes are set on the final siren of the 2007 Grand final and holding aloft the premiership cup!
James Forrest: What a season by Jimmy Forest, the big red Rolls Royce with flashy skills to burn has performed at a sensational level this year. While the goal taller has been fewer than years gone before him, his tall physical presence in the forward line has been heaven sent to smaller players crumbing off his contests. His best game of the season was at Rockbank where he starred with 6 goals in a commanding forward performance where few struggled to reach his level of confidence all day. He struggled mid-season with injury but returned in the later rounds to regain his fine touch. Looking at the clock, it is September and this is the time of year where we see the best of Jimmy and his game against Riddell was a sign of the turn of the tide.
Peter Manser: Pistol Pete Manser, the showboat of the line up had all guns blazing this year. You just never know what sparkling highlight you'll get from this highly talented sportsman who manages to defy the impossible and show such great flare that even his team mates are astounded by his abilities. His great pace and kicking skills have been a treat for Hawk fans in his first year of football since claiming the cup in 2002, and have since played cricket in England. It would be fitting for Pete to leave for the UK next year having claimed 2 premierships in 2 years of senior football.
Brendan Fennell: Funbags has been one of the most improved players in the team this year. Struggling between Senior and 2nds appearances in 2006, he made himself a regular in the firsts this year where he has only missed one game. His pace and amazing ball use has electrified opponents all season running off the half forward flank and into the middle. No-one will ever forget his performance this year at Diggers Rest where he was one of few stand out contributors for 4 quarters when the Boroughs clawed themselves back into the contest. A player who knows how to find the goals and create them, it is assured that his efforts will not go unnoticed when the season is done and dusted.
Paul Podbury: Pod's leadership on and off the field this season as been a tremendous boost to the team this year and was largely responsible for the turn around in player confidence after the loss to Diggers Rest. His consistent performances in the middle and in the forward line has been a great service to the team as he puts his helmet on and borrows his head into every contested contest in his area. He has great skills on both sides of the body and for a player of his size, he can take strong contested marks. He is one player who can run the game out from siren to siren and still have enough energy to encourage his team mates on the field. His dedication to the team is unquestioned and it would be fitting to add some silverware to the cabinet for his efforts.
Rick Dowling: An injury free season for R.D and we're sharing the excitement of watching such a quality footballer. His home this season has generally been in the forward line as he regularly produces 3 and 4 goal efforts as one of the stand out consistent forwards in the competition. He plays extra tall for his height and quick at ground level. He has deadly accuracy in front of the big sticks and firms himself to be a greater leader around the ball. His biggest haul of 7 this year against Rockbank is a sign that when he is playing within his confidence, he will deliver. It's taken 10 years but a fitting highlight this season would be playing his 50th senior game scattered over several seasons, a great effort and we think he has at least 50 more to come.
Daniel Salpietro: Salpie has had a season that most players could only dream of having since crossing from Gisborne for the start of the year. Once settling into the pre-season routine comfortably, he started the year with a 9 goal haul against Lancefield in round 3 where Hawk Eye proclaimed him to be the next Buddy Franklin from Hawthorn, and fittingly so as the season progressed because his electrifying, grass burning pace would have seen him put on restrictions in summer because he was simply on fire. His opponents couldn't catch him, he always made way for space, the forward line and occasional run on the ball just couldn't be matched by anyone in the team as the 19 year old continued to impress Hawk Fans. 7 and 9 goal hauls to his name were great efforts but his ability to play every available game in the year is a bonus for any young player coming from another team. He was the lucky bunny to replace Joel in the team against Sunbury and backed up well in 8 quarters in the wet. Expect more excitement in September.
Sam Bowen: Slammin Sammy Bowen was at his mighty best this year as one of the recruits of the season, officially signing his life away from the Bendigo Bombers and becoming a fulltime Hawk. The number 6 made the wing his own with his Michael Long like runs and long left foot kicks. His experience from the Bombers this season appeared a lot more in his game as he opened up more space with disposal, used more tactics and increased in confidence. The game at Diggers saw Sammy kick 2 goals on the run from 50 and that is one of the games' greatest thrills to see, Sammy Bowen at his best. There is no denying his ability and the wing will be his domain in the dying weeks of September.
Jarrad Arnold: Arnie was a fantastic contributor all year and enjoyed playing football under Gidda's guidance. He played every game and spent a lot of the season changing with Sammy to add some much needed quick fire run in the midfield. Arnie is one of the quickest players in the team if he isn't already and his balance and co-ordination have seen him side step many opponents in stellar performances across the board. Still a young kid, he delivers every week and shows more aggression and little intimidation in his quest to achieve great highs at this level. Well done Arnie!
Warren Else: The Fullback of the Century is one of the most exciting players to watch in the team. Wazza has a big reputation of letting lose his mighty right foot torpedos from a kick in and landing them effortlessly in the centre square and quite often in the arms of a team mate, there is quite no player like him. Wazz has shut down every opponent he played on this season, hence why scores kicked against the team were very minimal with Sunbury being the only team to score triple figures. He is the leading player for rebounds and spoils and goes about his job quietly for someone who is still relatively young. He played up forward early in the season with great results after slotting through a lazy 4 goals against Macedon including 3 goals and one poster in a quarter. He can do the job from both ends and will poll highly in the B&F.
Coaches
Michael Giddings:
You could hardly pin point a fault in Gidds' performance as coach this year as he as reached out to get the best from his players, lead by the great coaching staff of Mick Goodyear, Ross Barker and Pup Bowen. The team of experienced players on the bench total more than 1200 games between them for the Club and it's Gidds this year that has lead from the front. In his first full season as coach, he has built on his role as being a players coach... he knows how to communicate and work with improving the abilities of each player on his team which has won him enormous respect from everyone in his time at the club. To play in 6 Grand finals and win one is one story but to coach a Premiership team in your first full season is a turn of good karma that will head his way. Well done Gidds. Well done on EJ and Dale Stacey for their dedication to onfield running and statistics to assist the coaches in the area.
Season Review
A Pre-season that started back in November has released life into a team that has the belief and determination to go all the way this season. The question mark lying over the head of the team was whether it was able to make amends for the Preliminary Final loss to Diggers Rest the year before... that question has been answered with the backing performance of every player that has worn the gold and brown strip this season with the team playing for each other with the strong backing of every supporter. They have proved that they are the real deal with a fresh bunch of new faces... young and more senior and have taken to each game like it was a Grand final.
The season defining game was as early in round 2 against Riddell when they lead from the front all day to win at home against the double reigning premier. From that point on, it was just a question of high up the ladder into the final they would play because the hunger was there to go the journey. The early season loss to the Kangaroos was a test of fitness and ability to run out 4 quarters but on a windy day that favoured the Roos' end in the final stanza, they could almost be forgiven. The losses to Riddell (in the cold wet) and Diggers at home have been the only blemishes on the ladder but in each of those games they were in front for a large part of the day.
Players like Arnie, Banga, Sippy, Salpie and Funnell who have been new fresh faces in the line-up alongside the Hardwicks have showed a new character for the Hawks and will take away big confidence from the season. Do the Hawks have the ammunition to go all the way? Of course they do, they hold one win in picture perfect conditions against the competition's big threat in Riddell and hung in there in the worst of conditions the following game. It all starts this Sunday against the Roos who are the big movers of the competition.
The team is set for great success in September!
Last Modified on 06/04/2008 15:15