Preseason Update Club by Club: Hawthorn Hawks

[Ricochet]

OTHER TEAM REPORTS

ADEL  -  BRIS  -  CAR  -  COL  -  ESS  -  FRE  -  GEE  -  GC  -  GWS  -  HAW  -  MEL  -  NM  -  PORT  -  RIC  -  STK  -  SYD  -  WCE  -  WB


Courtesy of the Herald Sun


HAWTHORN HAWKS


Track Watch
TRACK STAR: As usual, Grant Birchall has been one of the most impressive track movers for the Hawks this pre-season. Bradley Hill looks certain to build on his five games after a strong summer.

COTTON WOOL: Shaun Burgoyne, Brendan Whitecross and Michael Osborne remain in the rehabilitation group with knee injuries.

REMEMBER THESE KIDS: Big man Sam Grimley and Will Langford have been around the club for a few years and have made strong impressions this pre-season. Langford, the son of 303-game Hawks star Chris, had shoulder problems last season and deserves some luck.

FRESH FACES: Former Cat Jonathan Simpkin and 2012 draftee Tim O’Brien have already made an impact in their first pre-seasons at Waverley. Simpkin, 25, who joined the club as a free agent, dominated at VFL level with the Cats last year. O’Brien, 18, is a forward of the future.

WHAT’S CHANGED: Well, the look of the playing kit for a start. The Hawks have ended a 30-year association with Puma and switched to adidas. That has brought a return of the brown numbers on the back of playing guernseys.

WHAT HASN’T: Some things never change â€" such as the hard-running Isaac Smith leading the time-trials for the Hawks.

DREAM TEAM TIP: Brian Lake has the potential for huge Dream Team scores and will love the way the Hawks chip the ball around in the back half.

Medical Room
Luke Hodge = Knee: Has started low-level running after surgery to repair his PCL. Expect a late start to the home-and-away season - the skipper won't be rushed.
Alex Woodward = Knee: In a shattering blow, the youngster has gone down with a second ACL injury. The inside midfielder will now undergo a knee reconstruction.
Michael Osborne = Knee: Cautiously optimistic of playing late in the NAB Cup after increasing his workload following knee surgery. Won't be rushed.

[essendon2]

Birchall may play more Wing this year - Hodge

[Ricochet]

That would be interesting, probably good news for Suckling

[SydneyRox]

dont feel as strong anout lakes fantasy scores as this guy