There is a lot of cream in this outfit…..
Unfortunately for opposition supporters, I could have quite seriously had 4 other players in this top 5.
‘Good news for Hawk fans then!
Here is my top 5 most important players for Hawthorn.
1. Lance Franklin
You can’t beat a quality tall. His freakish physical abilities, match-winning potential and runs on the board really speak for themself. Even if Roughead wasn’t there with him, he would still be a frightening prospect.
2. Sam Mitchell
The leader who seems to adapt every year for the better of his team. Some of his efforts last year were exceptional in his attempts to drag the Hawks to the finals; all while carrying an injured shoulder.
He is their captain because he plays like one.
3. Cyril Rioli
Whilst the word “dynamism” seems like a w*nky adjective to use, it seems like the best way to describe what is lacking from the Hawks when he isn’t playing.
Even with Franklin and Hodge in their squad, I’d name Rioli as the most talented out of them all. The things that he does are amazing and the fact that he plays the roles of a crumber, an outside mid, and a centre-square-mid damn well in only his second year, really bodes well for this upcomming year.
4. Stephen Gilham
The Hawks backline seems to be that much better when he is down there. Without him last year, they relied on Murphy and Shoenmaker who were not ready for that responsibility.
With him injury-free, and with Gibson there as well, he should be able to help the Hawks backline to become a solid-unit.
5. Luke Hodge
Boy are they a hard team to beat when Hodge is on-song.
He is one of the most damaging players in the league with his physical presence, and his damaging left-foot.
For what it’s worth, Chance Bateman, Campbell Brown, Brad Sewell and Shaun Burgoyne were not far behind this bunch.
Tags: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Stephen Gilham
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I think sewell should be in the top 5. He is equally as important as mitchell.
Just look at what happened against essendon.