Selection Dissection: Master v Pupil
Our match committee chairman wants changes for the Clarko Cup on Saturday. We imagine plenty of fans would agree.
HAWTHORN V NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday, April 1st,
1.45pm (AEST) @ UTAS Stadium
After a horrific round one performance against the Bombers, round two against the Swans was just as bad, if not worse.
Other than Will Day’s 24-disposals, seven-clearance game in the midfield, there weren’t any other positives to come from the game. The backline was once again dysfunctional and the forward line non-existent.
We enter this week against the undefeated (yes, you read that correctly) North Melbourne 0-2, with a dismal percentage of just 42.1. This week is a very winnable game and a game we need to win and like round one there are simply no excuses.
Both Sam Mitchell and Alastair Clarkson would have had this game circled the moment the 2023 season fixture was released and both teams will come out breathing fire. A loss this week and the wooden spoon is just about locked in.
With pick 1 in the 2023 National Draft, the Hawthorn Football Club selects….Harley Reid
Changes are required this week after a disappointing opening fortnight and hopefully Sam makes them. With Box Hill having a great 27-point over the Swans, a few players have put their hands up for selection this week.
The backline
After conceding an embarrassing 124 points against the Bombers (without Peter Wright and Jake Stringer), the Swans, minus Buddy Franklin and Sam Reid kicked 17 goals with Logan kicking nine goals between them. That won’t happen again all season.
The backline, which was arguably our biggest strength last season has been completely dysfunctional this season and needs a restructure. James Blanck and Sam Frost is not working. James Sicily looks disinterested, whilst CJ and Lachie Bramble consistently look lost.
This week will be another tough test, with Nick Larkey in career best form. Watch for Charlie Comben to somehow bob up and kick four. DGB (20 disposals and 11 marks for Box Hill) and Jack Scrimshaw will be pushing for selection with Frost and Bramble under the pump to hold their spots in the team.
Jack Scrimshaw is a worry as he only played a half for Box Hill and doesn’t seem to be fit enough to return.
The midfield
As mentioned above, Day was our only positive for the day. He’s shown in the opening fortnight of the season that he belongs as a permanent midfielder. Whilst he has put contract talks on hold, the club must do everything behind the scenes to make sure they lock him in on a long term deal post this season.
The midfield against the Swans was our best performed line. I would be surprised if there were any changes this week. There were some good performances for Box Hill with Seamus Mitchell (30 disposals and nine marks), Ned Long (29 touches, seven marks and six tackles and Cooper Stephens (23 touches, five marks and five clearances) all notable.
The rucks
After a disappointing performance against the Bombers, our ruck combo in Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek struggled again. Reeves was subbed out and may need a run at Box Hill. In the opening two weeks, he has taken two marks, which simply, is not good enough for someone that is close to 210cm.
Lloyd Meek at least competed, finishing the game with eight tackles and a goal. With North Melbourne only playing the one ruckman in Todd Goldstein, I would be dropping Reeves and bringing in an extra runner this week.
The forwards
After only kicking nine goals against the Bombers in round one, this week was even worse, finishing to game with 4.13 in near perfect conditions. If the backline is dysfunctional, the forward line is a complete disaster. The loss of Mitch Lewis has highlighted how poor our key position forward depth is.
Jacob Koschitzke had another day to forget and must be close to running out of chances. Unfortunately Max Ramsden was quiet for Box Hill so won’t get a chance this week. Chad Wingard looks to have recovered from his calf injury and should return. I would give him another week off, however. Tyler Brockman kicked three goals for Box Hill and may get a chance this week if Wingard isn’t 100 per cent.
At selection
What they should do
Out: Bramble, Reeves, Koschitzke, Butler (sub) all omitted
In: DGB, Brockman, Long
FB: Hardwick Blanck DGB
HB: Jiath Frost Impey
C: Amon Newcombe Ward
HF: Moore Sicily Macdonald
FF: Breust Greene Brockman
R: Meek Worpel Day
Int: Maginness Long Nash Mackenzie
Sub: Bramble
What they will do
Out: Bramble (omit), Butler (medi-sub)
In: Wingard
FB: Hardwick Blanck Impey
HB: Day Frost Sicily
C: Amon Mackenzie Ward
HF: Moore Meek Macdonald
FF: Breust Koschitzke Wingard
R: Reeves Newcombe Worpel
Int: Nash, Jiath, Greene, Maginness
Sub: Bramble
We’re keen to hear YOUR thoughts on what the Hawks should do at the selection table this week. Would you swing the axe? Would you hang tough with the team that battled against the Swans?
Not enough.
Jiath is a luxury. Exciting yes but way too many skill errors. And he can't defend. Practice at BH
Maginness is not developing fast enough. If he's a midfielder let him practice at BH
Reeves, needs more time and Hawks need a Ruck Forward who can be a presence and kick goals
Frost should be playing a leadership role at BH. He will be very good there.
Nash is not the future. BH beckons.
Bramble is not the future. BH beckons.
Bring up Stephens, Long, Grainger Barras, Wingard and Brockman.
Bring up Scrimshaw and if he's not fit try Weddle off half back - can't be worse than Jiath or Bramble.
Seamus Mitchell is showing some good signs so he's worth trying soon
You must persist with Butler - at least he has a crack.
Bring up Serong in a few weeks for Kosi if he continues his current run.
Last week Hawthorn had 16 players on the field.
Cannot be competitive with effectively 2 less on the field
Reeves was a no-show and some of the others noted were a negative.
Let these boys perfect their games at BH.
Bring up some of these really exciting youngsters.
If we are torching 2023, let's do it right.
Wholesale changes indicate (rightful) panic
Reeves out for big Maxie
Last chance saloon for Kosi
Like the idea of Sicily as a forward
Let’s make DGB earn a spot so hopefully another good game or two with BHH first