Backline

The Hawthorn backline has had a rough time of it during season 2009. With Trent Croad out for the season it never had the same presence it did in 2008. Luke Hodge the run from the backline was also missing in action for many weeks which helped to compound the issue. The defence was ranked 11th in the league which was always going to be an issue for them going deep into the season. The light at the end of the tunnel is that Luke Hodge is back in form and Croad will return next year, fingers crossed. Taking this into account the defence of the Hawks will be bounce back in 2010.

Midfield

The Hawthorn Midfield is one area of the Hawthorn side that is still very strong. With the likes of Mitchell, Lewis and Brad Sewell it is as strong as ever. The light this year for me was the further emergence of Brad Sewell now not just a tagger but a true midfielder with the ability to blow games open with his run and carry. Bateman is always a player to watch and Ellis is also on the way up. The midfield in 2009 still performed to a pretty good standard but it was the other ends of the grounds that really hurt the Hawks.

Forwards

The phrase a shadow of its former self springs to mind when talking about the forward line of the Hawks. Ranked 10th in the league for points for with 1962 for the season. To be honest I am not really sure why there has been such a dramatic change in the forward line form of the Hawks, the names were still there.

The only thing is the Hawks did become slightly predictable inside 50 to Franklin. With Roughhead being used in defence at times it meant opposition teams were able to double team Buddy. 8 players kicked over 10 goals the same as 2008 but it was the amount of goals kicked that changed dramatically. Franklin still managed 67 (113 in 2008) and Roughhead 51 (75 in 2008). Rioli missed a bit of football in 2009 which hurt the crumbing ability of the Hawks and he ended with 21 goals. Mark Williams was well down in 2009 only kicking 16 goals compared to 46 in 2008.
You would imagine that the forward line would still be dangerous in 2010. The loss of Dew does hurt the Hawks slightly as he was the game breaker type of player.

Rucks

The ruck division for the Hawks has no big names but they do an admirable job. It is one area that they can probably look to improve on going forward. Taylor and Renouf have both developed during the year but can be exposed when up against the like of Cox and Sandilands.

What is needed?

The Hawks really don’t have a huge weakness but have just put together a terrible year in the context of things. They could do with another tall backman as the loss of Croad was felt all throughout 2009. Unfortunately key defenders are a little like diamonds very hard to come across. May also look to chase a big ruck man as what they have now is passable at best.

Looking Forward

I would expect that the Hawks should be able to bounce back in 2010 once the injuries have finally sorted themselves out. I do have some issues with the way things have been handled in 2009 which have affected the club as a whole. Jeff Kennett insists on speaking out about issues within the game which does not look good when you are the president and have little football background.

The Hawks will be a force in 2010 all going well, but the doubts within the football public have to be there now after this season. They have all the names and the big stars but the question is going to be whether they can again click like they did in 2008. If they can the Hawks will be able to once again be a contender in 2010.>