It can't be a coincidence that these later draft picks, unwanted trades and rookies were ALL undervalued, hidden gems. Hawthorn have somehow gotten them to 'buy-in' where the other clubs couldn't. And as we see week after week, when you get the mental commitment, everything else follows.
8th position from 0-5, and while being talked about as a bottom four side... that is an incredible achievement with a young list and relatively unproven coach in Sam Mitchell.
Amusing watching Damien Barett on AFL website singing the Hawks' praises now. At start of the year he predicted Hawks would get the Spoon and after losses first two games said they were tanking. Now he's over the top on how good they are. No comments from us lowly punters allowed on the AwFL website , otherwise there'd be quite a few.
Newcombe, Day, Moore, Ginnivan, Scrimshaw, McCabe, Mackenzie, Ward, Morrison, Maginnes, Dear, Mitchell all grew up as hawks fans as kids. Sam Mitchell has had a clear trade/draft strategy, clearly targeting players who have a reason to play with passion and care through the big losses that come with a rebuild. They idolise Sam Mitchell, David Hale and the like. They care about playing the guernsey they’re playing in. Scrimshaw the best example: couldn’t get a game at the suns and already 100 at the hawks.
This old dreaded Boomer even better off. Started out supporting when Hawks consistently in bottom four of 12 VFL teams. Then first time in Finals 1957 (finished third) and since seen all 13 Flags. One more and I'll die happy , lol. Won't be this year , but next year a good chance.
Parents moved the family from Perth to Balwyn (Hawthorn territory) in 1975. Peter Knights visited our primary school and I was hooked on the hawks. Pretty handy timing - seen 11 premierships and three dynasties (if you include the 70s). Mitchell's coaching nous and the clubs wonderful recruiting yet again have us primed for more success. Awesome video and analysis btw.
It's crazy that we are 10-2 with Calsher Dear and those 2 losses were chokes of 28 point 3qt leads away from home against top 4 sides, where we subbed him off. He's not the sole reason for the turnaraound but it's fun that his inclusion in the side pretty much exactly coincides with the turnaround, it also shows how consistent the team has been since then.
I think this is really on topic now within the hawks fan base discussing the Barrass trade. I hear so many fans saying how they don’t want to give up a first for him, when our list is about as good of an argument against that as you can get. It’s no shock to me Mitchell is desperate for a player like him, watch the loss to GWS to see why. Hogan absolutely destroyed us in the air, and Barrass would allow Sicily and weddle to play free and float around while playing a lockdown role as that true 1 on 1 KPD. I think it’s also worth mentioning how involved Sam Mitchell has been with the recruiting and list management. It’s very obvious so far that he has been given huge influence over the list and the talent development, so I don’t think it’s fair to say he’s just profiting off the back of another department doing that. Great video mate, really interesting stuff
Really enjoyed watching your video. Solid analysis. I am a Hawthorn tragic and have barracked for the Hawks all my life. Have you noticed one important aspect of the rebuild is that almost half the current senior list barracked for the Hawks, or had some form of deep connection to the club, since they were kids? e.g. Ginnivan, Scrimshaw, Moore, Newcombe, Mackenzie, Ward, Dear, Maginness, Morrison (Ken Judge's Godson), Day (grandson of 1971 Hawthorn premiership player), McCabe, Stephens and Ramsden. Moreover, the current senior coach was born in Box Hill (whose football team is affiliated to the Hawks), and is a five-time Hawks B&F and premiership captain.
Having a great coach in Sam Mitchell. He is fully invested and has a vision of where he wants them to be. He even said to first year Nick Watson to only come to him for goal kicking and took him one on one training for kicking for goal.
He was amazing for us at the eagles, big part of the reason we won in 2018 and why we were willing to trade him in as a player in his last season just to get him as an assistant coach. Always knew he would make a great head coach
@biggi3st3v3 I remember reading the comments from the players talking about Sam after the 2018 win. All of them raved about how Sam had helped them find their best form. He's just got so much credibility and knows how to get through to players.
Sam Mitchell was the best both sides kick in the league while he was playing so it's no surprise that he makes a great kicking coach. He modelled himself as a young player on the training discipline of Shane Crawford. Nick Watson's father was the local footy coach and he then was lucky to get picked up for the Caulfield Grammar program, so no doubt had already had a lot of great coaching even before being drafted. He was a very brave choice for pick 5 but Hawthorn have had some outstanding players on the shorter side such as Platten and Puopolo
I got on Hawthorn early when they were $81 to win the GF. Also had a cheeky multi on the Hawks into Canterbury Bulldogs when they were $41. So as a Roos supporter (lets not talk about the weekend), I'm definitely going for Hawks and the footy they are playing is the benchmark atm imo. Sam Mitchell has done an amazing job with that squad and i think they will be very competitive for many years to come
I thought I did well grabbing Sydney at 11 to start the year but honestly I’d make Hawthorn / Sydney a toss up finals clash right now I mean hell they might all be toss ups this year!
Sensational analysis there. You are Spot on. This is a great system and culture building and identification of talent to go with the layer of young talent they already have. I’m a hawk man and born 1972 so I’ve seen a lot of great things from this club. The way they’ve done this is like late 60s into early 70s where the spirit was huge and the culture that was built from great men like John Kennedy and Jack Hale before him. There’s nothing like watching your team rebuild and then you see signs of them coming out of that and starting to mix with the big boys. Hopefully we win the last 2 games and have a dip in finals. We won’t win a flag but who cares. It’s about the next 5 years.
I heard a Sam Mitchell interview where he said he's looking for talent and leadership...that was his explanation to C. MacDonald and Josh Ward. He was looking for players that cared for each other and would cover for others. Look at the friendship between CJ and Ginnavin. Warms your hestt
I would not be so sure they will not win the flag.. If we do make finals, anything is possible, even knocking over the cats and/or swans. They should have no fear of the other teams in the 8.
You are right that no Hawk is scaring the Brownlow but don't be surprised if Dylan Moore finishes very high. He has been ultra consistent and always in the best three when the hawks win. He will get 20+ votes.
D'ambrosio was never an after thought trade. Hawthorn were desperate to pick him up during the mid-season draft. Only problem was Essendon were the pick before and took him instead. When another opportunity came up to grab him after Essendon failed to extend his rookie listing for more than 1 year, the Hawks pounced. He was always going to slot into the seniors.
An interesting vid. Hawthorn is a good example of two ways of looking at this. One was the Clarko era, inwich with the List Hawthorn had, anyone couldeve got success. The other is that now Hawthorn has a great coach who is getting the absolute best out of a good list.
Love the consistency and quality of your videos. I know it wasn’t long ago you were finding it hard to find motivation and time for UA-cam content so I’m happy to see you enjoying yourself like this. Keep it up bro
The cost or rather the lack of cost to get Meek, Ginnivan, Chol and D'Ambrosio is amazing. All four of them are playing consistantly the best footy of their careers. Meek and D'Ambrosio* are genuine contenders for All Australian. * D'Ambrosio if the AFL care about position integrity and pick genuine wingman instead of just the next best midfielder.
Whatever happens with the Hawks from here, I feel like adding D’Ambrosio, Ginnivan, Chol, Watson and Dear in a single offseason will be a huge component of any potential success
Solid analysis. Mitch did say a year or two ago that simply following what everyone else is doing means you're competing for a finite resource, meaning he's able to build a different kind of game plan with an atypical group of players. Also worth noting Sicily, though drafted in the middle of Clarkson's tenure in 2013, was pick 56, and now easily one of the best defenders in the comp.
Picks and trades are one thing, but development is the more important factor, in my opinion. No side will be successful with poorly developed high picks, but even a side of low picks can be successful if they are well managed. Mitchell was a master as a player, and it appears as though he is passing on his jedi skills to his young soldiers...
MITCHELL IS A GENIUS HE'S THE GUY WHO TAKES NO PASSENGERS IN THE TEAM!!!!! it starts and ends with mitchell!!! look what he did to west coast midfield in 2018!!! and the credit went to simmo but the real guy getting the result was mitchell!!! he lost nata all good, loss gaff in his best season what ever still makes a premiership midfield just the case!!!! and it was evident at the worsfold fairest and best awards that year every player basically thanked mitchell for showing them football from a different perspective ie fucking genius there's a reason hawk won 4 flags he was massive part of that and he captained the impossible game against geelong who won a year previously beat the power by 110 points and dominated the 08 season from start to finish!!!! what happened yer they meet a young hawks team with a genius captain with never say die attitude and get rolled, one the biggest under dog grand finals of our life time!!!!! but he can see talent and can harness that and get result this is not a surprise to me i new as soon as he got the coach job this would happen but yer i guess you just never no go back to ross lyons comments about mitchell taking over from clarko when at fremantle he state that development coaches never make it look who eating there words ross!!!! hahahhahahahahaahahahahahaah
The biggest reasons for their success are Sam Mitchell (ground ball and other basic skills are very well developed plus great game plan) and the players general fitness/running power and buy-in to the coach's plans.
A really fascinating and well thought out analysis of Hawthorn's rise this year. Thank you. The only other thing I think is worth mentioning is that Sam Mitchell has mentioned clearly is that he is looking for character. He is looking for a set of inner attributes. I think this is a really important point, as all the talent and the star power in the world isn't going to cut it without things like humility to really listen and learn from the coaches and the veterans about the culture and the play style. And things like perseverance, encouragement, learning from your mistakes etc etc. All the talent and all the top draft picks in the world isn't going to cut it without character like that. I really do think Hawthorn's rise has a lot to do with Sam Mitchell's focus on the character of the players he recruits and trains. But thanks again. Great video.
Unlike most of the bottom 4 breakout teams, Hawthorn have a bunch of players in that 28+ age bracket that are playing excellent footy this year. It will be interesting to see how they fill those gaps in the coming years with Tasmania right around the corner. No doubt their turnaround has been phenomenal. However, not fully committing to a rebuild tends to work against you in the long run. If they fail to improve next year with a harder draw, pressure will mount with Impey, Frost, Sicily, Gunston, Amon and the like entering their early 30’s will they be able to fill those gaps with a compromised draft. Time will tell. Cheers.
Great analysis. I would add a real hard edge especially in the midfield. Nash, newc, day and worpel are all ridiculously hard at it. Add that to the run of McDonald, Amon, impey and CJ it’s really a great mix in the midfield. Then the 5-6 ‘half forwards’ who work so hard. So much improvement in so little time.
As Hawks fan I am absolutely cheering. One thing to note as well is the oppositions inconsistencies this year, which has benefited the hawks this year. I would still like to know how the hawks would go against an inform top 8 team. As I don’t feel other than the cats game at Kardinya have they played a top 8 team that’s played quality footy over 4qtrs.
GWS have won 6 in a row so that would qualify them as being an in form top 8 side. How did they go…2 point loss in Canberra of a 6 day break…not playing their best footy (maybe helped by GWS forcing Hawthorn not to play their best footy). With that said…same game on MCG could be a different result…play the game in Canberra again and it could be a different result. Maybe the argument could be that Swans got Hawthorn at a good time? Only time will tell?
@@gregfidgeon4318 exactly. and we had them on toast at three quarter time like we did Port Adelaide who were in the top 4 when we played them. I don't think this young hawk side care about the reputation of their opponent.
I cannot remember a side that has risen so quickly without the AFL’s dirty paws all over it. No draft concessions, no buckets of cash and no ability to have generous academy picks as with the so called ‘developing states’ they have also overcome not being able to land a big fish from another club. They have been trying to get a decent CHB and forward for some years without success. I personally think Meek has been the big fish that has dragged this team out of the mire. Hawthorn have not had a dominant ruckman for years and he helps to bring those midfielders and the midgets up forward into play.
If you think this video makes up for snubbing all our players in your under 22s team then.... Ok fine, we forgive you. I am pretty sure you know I am sarcastic a lot. I like your channel because your opinion is genuine I hope it never crosses your mind to self censor or say something that you don't believe to avoid backlash from viewers.
I'm loving the wave we are currently on. My only concern was the switching off or choking when we lost to Port and GWS. I thought when they showed the live ladder mid game against Carlton showing us in the 8 we plateaued and didn't put them to the sword and chased crucial percentage points. Go Hawks and great vid. thanks.
The problem with any draft of young talent is that you have to guess how good their mental makeup and physical resilience are. Trades usually have a better idea of these factors.
I think you hit the nail about Mitchell having a clear system, and so recruiting players for that system. Apart from Day, the high draft picks under Clarko post threepeat have been busts (DGB and Ward)
Still think those missed early picks are going to burn us. DGB has been such a disapointment, Ward has gone a little better but is still a fair way off the pace. How much better would we be if we had an extra AA calibre full back and mid?
I'm not ready to pronounce us any kind of ultra-flag-contender at this stage, but boy oh boy am I happy with the direction Sammy's heading us in. Great analysis, I'll be using this video whenever I see someone mindlessly howling "yEh bUt tHeY tAnKeD fOr hIgH dRaft pIcKs!!!"
On Massimo from an Essendon fan, we offered him a contract but Hawks offered him a better deal which he took. No hard feelings from me, I'm happy for him that he's made a good career choice and is playing good footy cos he was not going to be this player at Essendon. At the Bombers we used him off half back not the wing and Mass' was a defensive liability. He was lost at sea with his defensive positioning and regularly leaked multiple goals per game. With ball in hand he was a gun as he is now but we couldn't figure out a way to get the best out of his offensive work without also carrying a passenger on the defensive load. The Hawks deserve a lot of credit for really understanding his strengths and weaknesses and putting him in a spot on the ground that maximises his game.
You make some good points. You are severely under estimating the brilliance of Sams coaching and development of these players. Sam has admitted that the game plan at the start of the year was to complicated for this inexperienced team. So, game style matching their ability and playing players in positions where they will make the most impact. Turning Nash into mid the best example. Then there is develiping both young and older players. Everyone has improved and continues to work on thier game. Frost and Chol both show how the coaching has tought them both how to make the most of what they have. You also picked out that they are well balanced in contested and uncontested ball. That is due to coaching and nothing to do with draft selection. I like the points you make but having a coaching style that allows them to play with freedom, have fun on the field and stick to what they are good at are all attributed back to Sam and the coaching group. Unless hou watch them every week it is hard to appreciate these points, so again well done on the video. Go Hawks
They are putting together a great team rather than getting a couple of great players. They have total buy in from the players most on or about the same level of pay. If they can keep the majority of this playing group together, the next few years they should be pushing for yet another premiership
Don't recall when it was said (maybe pre-2022 draft; early 2023 season), or who said it (maybe Mitchell or one of the recruiters), but it was along the lines of: "we're looking about 50/50 at the character of the individual and footy talent, not necessarily any pure outstanding skills or attributes". *IF* true, I think that's why we're seeing a bunch of young guys with really high footy IQs who have sufficiently good enough skills and talent.
Great analysis, ginnivan was actually a second round pick swap so they basically got him for better than free. Would love to see a video on how poor collingwoods drafting/trading has been.
Fantastic assessment, crazy that the Hawks have flown under the radar and got a lot out of discarded/unwanted players. West Coast has been the victim and beneficiary of the same. Keep up the awesome work 💙 💛 🏆 🦅
I think you can argue that hawthorn have earned their right to play at the G this year. All signs with fixturing (we didn’t play a single night game and had several home games at marvel) indicates the AFL was pushing us to play at Marvel. Our results and crowd size has shown we deserve to keep playing at the G
Their premiership core is already there. Day & Weddle will be finishing top 5 in the Brownlows this decade; Dear will be a multi-Coleman; Massimo, Moore, Newcombe, Watson will all be multi AA’s.
There is a danger that the hawks get ahead of themselves. Improvement is very rarely lineal. There is no guarantee that the improvement continues on next year. The intangibles like form, confidence and belief can desert a team at any moment if everyone isn't on the same page and working hard. Look no further than Collingwood this year compared to last. Sam Mitchell seems to be very good at reminding the guys that they have not really achieved anything just yet. He has consistently said all year that they deserve the ladder position they were in, they deserved 11th when they were 11th, they deserved 9th when they were 9th. However this year ends, I hope the desire to keep going one or two steps more over-rides the sense that they over achieved.
Hawthorn’s side on weekend had 3 players 30 or over (Frost, Gunstan, Breust). The core group is 28 and under…based on ceiling…you’d imagine these kids who are 22 and under who have played less than 50 games will only get better in the coming years. Some may stagnate or not develop…but it’s reasonable to say that the majority should improve on their current output.
@@gregfidgeon4318 The age profile is one that should get natural improvement overall. The Hawks have gone largely under the radar this year though, they will face a lot more tactical games next year with other teams trying to take away their strengths. I think last week against GWS was the first time that Will Day has had a hard tag on him all year. In isolation it worked, his output was well down. It kind-of backfired as Newcombe got clearances easily and GWS only came back once the tag was dropped but there will be more and harder challenges on individuals and the team as a whole.
The guys have cohesion and are winning. How do they make room for a return of Mitch Lewis? Do they make the change or stick with the synergy that is clearly working
Not as good as West Coast's comeback in 1996 who were robbed of the Minor Premiership by a terrible goal umpiring error against Carlton, but still very admirable and good luck to them still reaching finals.
It’s official !!! Barrass has asked for a trade to Hawthorne. 1st & 2nd round minimum. I would pass those picks to Richmond to get Shai Bolton. West Coast lack midfield depth and players between 23-28.
When sides have their Back lines play to high up the ground Hawthorn will destroy them with pace. Sides need to keep their backs at home and force Hawthorn to kick it deep and get them to a 1 on 1. Then keep their own forwards at home and make the Hawthorn defenders accountable and make your mids work back to the drop of the ball. The name of the game is to take their strengths away.
@@tmbrown2409 It's a catch 22....play deep and Hawks rebound out of D50 too easily....flood and get smashed on the rebound. The F50 pressure is killer for Hawthorn. It is relentless and deadly.
i think youre undervaluing the impact Nick Watson has had on this team this year. He is a big moment type player and has clutched some important goals that has then got the hawks on a roll. They are the type of team you dont want to give any momentum to. I think Bulldogs can bounce back but i see Hawks and maybe GWS in the GF if they dont face off in the EF or Prelims
I was at the game on Sunday. Watson impressed me was his defensive running. Not just to chase the ball carrier, but to prevent defenders finding targets or block space for the backs to run into.
When they went out in Straight sets in 2018 then the hard decision to move Clarko on should have been made. Melb should heed that advice with Goodwin as should the dogs if they fail again this year.
Hawthorn hasn't won a spoon since 1965 yet keep winning a flag or 4 in each decade since, success is a culture which is why it sucks seeing great talent wasted on the worst clubs. Melbourne and Carlton were given everything to make them better but their top picks never amounted to success, Melbourne only won a flag because they recognised that culture was important which is why they recruited Roos as coach.
Sam has been shrewd in his list management/trades. Has a vision he can sell to his players. Don't buy into that vision, back to the VFL. Geez, see B Scott at a press conference, loosen up. Looks like suckin on a lemon and face looks like one. Great player/coach. Are allowed to smile. No wonder Massimo wanted out. Meeky was favoured by the AFL ruck rule change. "The AFL has changed the 2024 interpretation of Law 18.4 to permit straight arm blocks in a ruck contest, provided the player still contests the ball." Reeves was the preferred option until that. Scrimshaw spent awhile in the VFL with some tough love last year to get fitter so could get to more contests. Ginni had a little young fellas baggage where was seen with "maybe drugs" and then the races at Pies. Great get. Calsher Dear father son. What a great young player. Chol with his laconic way had me worried for the first 5 to 6 matches. Geez Cholly have a crack. Like a good wine has got better and better.
Top draft picks are an overrated commodity. Nth Melbourne will have more top picks than any side in history as they continually tank in the longest rebuild, with Carlton being a close second. How successful have they both been?
Worth pointing out that we could have gotten Massimo for free, due to a weird rule around MSD players that Ess list manager stuffed up on, but we still gave Ess picks, I assume to keep good relations for future deals. Also worth mentioning that O'Meara trade for Meek (along with Tom Mitchell to Coll) caused Damian Barrett to suggest Hawks were tanking, proving that any brain dead nufty can be AFL media.
Right up until mid-season Barrett was bagging Hawthorn for trading out Tom Mitchell, who is out injured long term while Hawks young midfield going great. Repeating what i said above , Barrett predicted Hawks for wooden spoon at season start. Proves two things 1) he's no judge and 2)foolish to predict in March what will be the case in August.
If you dont see a dynasty your blind! 13 of best 22 are under 23 years of age! 18 19 20 21 year olds! Mckenzie ward are 20 and 21! What you have not said is how young the team is! So when all these kids are in there prime how damn good will they be! And trust me HUGE trades will come next 3 years! As all players will see the talent the amazing coach and mostly hawks have proven they build dynasties every decade for last 60 years! With the trades we will get another dynasty is going to happen! SECOND YOUNGEST TEAM IN COMP doing what they are and you dont see another dynasty! Im not sure which club your looking at! Your talking like there in there prime!! Cmon mate look better than that!!🤎💛💪🏆🏆🏆🏆
It can't be a coincidence that these later draft picks, unwanted trades and rookies were ALL undervalued, hidden gems.
Hawthorn have somehow gotten them to 'buy-in' where the other clubs couldn't.
And as we see week after week, when you get the mental commitment, everything else follows.
@@ATC980 I think Jordan Lewis on AFL360 summed it up when he said I know this club and when the team buy in they get better and don’t let things slip.
8th position from 0-5, and while being talked about as a bottom four side... that is an incredible achievement with a young list and relatively unproven coach in Sam Mitchell.
Crazy stuff. I hope they make the eight, I reckon they could win a final or two!
@@TrueFootyAFL I wouldn't bet against them potentially making a semi-final.
Amusing watching Damien Barett on AFL website singing the Hawks' praises now. At start of the year he predicted Hawks would get the Spoon and after losses first two games said they were tanking. Now he's over the top on how good they are. No comments from us lowly punters allowed on the AwFL website , otherwise there'd be quite a few.
@@desfletch he flips whichever way the wind blows...
Sitting in 8th from 1-6 is a huge effort - and two of those losses were catastrophic, giving up big leads.
Newcombe, Day, Moore, Ginnivan, Scrimshaw, McCabe, Mackenzie, Ward, Morrison, Maginnes, Dear, Mitchell all grew up as hawks fans as kids.
Sam Mitchell has had a clear trade/draft strategy, clearly targeting players who have a reason to play with passion and care through the big losses that come with a rebuild. They idolise Sam Mitchell, David Hale and the like. They care about playing the guernsey they’re playing in. Scrimshaw the best example: couldn’t get a game at the suns and already 100 at the hawks.
You make a good point. They all grew up supporting the team they’re now playing for. Gotta count for something.
Sam Mitchell is a genius
Bailey Smith grew up supporting Hawthorn if I read correctly. As did Josh Battle. Not sure about Tom Barrass though, given he grew up in WA
Have to admit I've enjoyed watching 9 premierships over my lifetime as Hawks supporter 😊
This old dreaded Boomer even better off. Started out supporting when Hawks consistently in bottom four of 12 VFL teams. Then first time in Finals 1957 (finished third) and since seen all 13 Flags. One more and I'll die happy , lol. Won't be this year , but next year a good chance.
@@desfletch I wouldn't bet on it not being this year :) But in all seriousness, expect low, they may just surprise us...
Yeah me too 9 in my life been so spoiled to see 2 great dynasties
Parents moved the family from Perth to Balwyn (Hawthorn territory) in 1975. Peter Knights visited our primary school and I was hooked on the hawks. Pretty handy timing - seen 11 premierships and three dynasties (if you include the 70s). Mitchell's coaching nous and the clubs wonderful recruiting yet again have us primed for more success. Awesome video and analysis btw.
10 for me buddy ! Since '78 😁😁😁
It's crazy that we are 10-2 with Calsher Dear and those 2 losses were chokes of 28 point 3qt leads away from home against top 4 sides, where we subbed him off. He's not the sole reason for the turnaraound but it's fun that his inclusion in the side pretty much exactly coincides with the turnaround, it also shows how consistent the team has been since then.
@@sandonperkins5626 And Day returning in round 6 after that 0-5 start.
All this with no mitch lewis and no blanck (I know blanck isn't a huge player but a key defender in a league short on key defenders is very important)
Just wish he was a better set shot
3 points total margin in Dear's losing games...
For a father son pick 56 aswell
I think this is really on topic now within the hawks fan base discussing the Barrass trade.
I hear so many fans saying how they don’t want to give up a first for him, when our list is about as good of an argument against that as you can get.
It’s no shock to me Mitchell is desperate for a player like him, watch the loss to GWS to see why. Hogan absolutely destroyed us in the air, and Barrass would allow Sicily and weddle to play free and float around while playing a lockdown role as that true 1 on 1 KPD.
I think it’s also worth mentioning how involved Sam Mitchell has been with the recruiting and list management. It’s very obvious so far that he has been given huge influence over the list and the talent development, so I don’t think it’s fair to say he’s just profiting off the back of another department doing that.
Great video mate, really interesting stuff
Really enjoyed watching your video. Solid analysis. I am a Hawthorn tragic and have barracked for the Hawks all my life. Have you noticed one important aspect of the rebuild is that almost half the current senior list barracked for the Hawks, or had some form of deep connection to the club, since they were kids? e.g. Ginnivan, Scrimshaw, Moore, Newcombe, Mackenzie, Ward, Dear, Maginness, Morrison (Ken Judge's Godson), Day (grandson of 1971 Hawthorn premiership player), McCabe, Stephens and Ramsden. Moreover, the current senior coach was born in Box Hill (whose football team is affiliated to the Hawks), and is a five-time Hawks B&F and premiership captain.
Having a great coach in Sam Mitchell. He is fully invested and has a vision of where he wants them to be. He even said to first year Nick Watson to only come to him for goal kicking and took him one on one training for kicking for goal.
He was amazing for us at the eagles, big part of the reason we won in 2018 and why we were willing to trade him in as a player in his last season just to get him as an assistant coach. Always knew he would make a great head coach
@biggi3st3v3 I remember reading the comments from the players talking about Sam after the 2018 win. All of them raved about how Sam had helped them find their best form. He's just got so much credibility and knows how to get through to players.
Sam Mitchell was the best both sides kick in the league while he was playing so it's no surprise that he makes a great kicking coach. He modelled himself as a young player on the training discipline of Shane Crawford. Nick Watson's father was the local footy coach and he then was lucky to get picked up for the Caulfield Grammar program, so no doubt had already had a lot of great coaching even before being drafted. He was a very brave choice for pick 5 but Hawthorn have had some outstanding players on the shorter side such as Platten and Puopolo
I got on Hawthorn early when they were $81 to win the GF. Also had a cheeky multi on the Hawks into Canterbury Bulldogs when they were $41. So as a Roos supporter (lets not talk about the weekend), I'm definitely going for Hawks and the footy they are playing is the benchmark atm imo. Sam Mitchell has done an amazing job with that squad and i think they will be very competitive for many years to come
I thought I did well getting on them at $31 to take it out. Only put $30 on so almost nothing to lose but could win $900. Go Hawkers!!
Goodluck bra!! Go hawks!!
Hell of a call brother, thats great value
Yeah I got $81 by placing my bet on 02/10 last year! Keep the faith Hawkers!
I thought I did well grabbing Sydney at 11 to start the year but honestly I’d make Hawthorn / Sydney a toss up finals clash right now
I mean hell they might all be toss ups this year!
Sensational analysis there. You are Spot on. This is a great system and culture building and identification of talent to go with the layer of young talent they already have. I’m a hawk man and born 1972 so I’ve seen a lot of great things from this club. The way they’ve done this is like late 60s into early 70s where the spirit was huge and the culture that was built from great men like John Kennedy and Jack Hale before him. There’s nothing like watching your team rebuild and then you see signs of them coming out of that and starting to mix with the big boys. Hopefully we win the last 2 games and have a dip in finals. We won’t win a flag but who cares. It’s about the next 5 years.
I heard a Sam Mitchell interview where he said he's looking for talent and leadership...that was his explanation to C. MacDonald and Josh Ward. He was looking for players that cared for each other and would cover for others. Look at the friendship between CJ and Ginnavin. Warms your hestt
I would not be so sure they will not win the flag.. If we do make finals, anything is possible, even knocking over the cats and/or swans. They should have no fear of the other teams in the 8.
You are right that no Hawk is scaring the Brownlow but don't be surprised if Dylan Moore finishes very high. He has been ultra consistent and always in the best three when the hawks win. He will get 20+ votes.
Someone is gonna have to get votes, there will definitely be a surprise bolter, like Day or Amon, maybe even Meek.
Doubtful.
I’d be surprised if he got the most votes at hawthorn.
@@js-sv6kw Who do you think is going to get more?
@@spindoctor6385 Newcombe
D'ambrosio was never an after thought trade. Hawthorn were desperate to pick him up during the mid-season draft. Only problem was Essendon were the pick before and took him instead.
When another opportunity came up to grab him after Essendon failed to extend his rookie listing for more than 1 year, the Hawks pounced. He was always going to slot into the seniors.
An interesting vid. Hawthorn is a good example of two ways of looking at this. One was the Clarko era, inwich with the List Hawthorn had, anyone couldeve got success. The other is that now Hawthorn has a great coach who is getting the absolute best out of a good list.
Moneyball Sam Mitchell got in left foot accurate kicking players. Just like the 3 peat team. This one has leg speed too. Kicking accuracy is key.
Yep exact same formula from the three peat
Love the consistency and quality of your videos. I know it wasn’t long ago you were finding it hard to find motivation and time for UA-cam content so I’m happy to see you enjoying yourself like this. Keep it up bro
Thanks mate I appreciate it!
The cost or rather the lack of cost to get Meek, Ginnivan, Chol and D'Ambrosio is amazing. All four of them are playing consistantly the best footy of their careers. Meek and D'Ambrosio* are genuine contenders for All Australian.
* D'Ambrosio if the AFL care about position integrity and pick genuine wingman instead of just the next best midfielder.
Great coach and great club culture. And that's from a cats fan. I fear another era of hawthorn / Geelong classics coming up.
Whatever happens with the Hawks from here, I feel like adding D’Ambrosio, Ginnivan, Chol, Watson and Dear in a single offseason will be a huge component of any potential success
Solid analysis. Mitch did say a year or two ago that simply following what everyone else is doing means you're competing for a finite resource, meaning he's able to build a different kind of game plan with an atypical group of players.
Also worth noting Sicily, though drafted in the middle of Clarkson's tenure in 2013, was pick 56, and now easily one of the best defenders in the comp.
Not a Hawks fan , my club out of the 8 but would love to see Hawks win it this year....
Picks and trades are one thing, but development is the more important factor, in my opinion.
No side will be successful with poorly developed high picks, but even a side of low picks can be successful if they are well managed.
Mitchell was a master as a player, and it appears as though he is passing on his jedi skills to his young soldiers...
MITCHELL IS A GENIUS HE'S THE GUY WHO TAKES NO PASSENGERS IN THE TEAM!!!!! it starts and ends with mitchell!!! look what he did to west coast midfield in 2018!!! and the credit went to simmo but the real guy getting the result was mitchell!!! he lost nata all good, loss gaff in his best season what ever still makes a premiership midfield just the case!!!! and it was evident at the worsfold fairest and best awards that year every player basically thanked mitchell for showing them football from a different perspective ie fucking genius there's a reason hawk won 4 flags he was massive part of that and he captained the impossible game against geelong who won a year previously beat the power by 110 points and dominated the 08 season from start to finish!!!! what happened yer they meet a young hawks team with a genius captain with never say die attitude and get rolled, one the biggest under dog grand finals of our life time!!!!! but he can see talent and can harness that and get result this is not a surprise to me i new as soon as he got the coach job this would happen but yer i guess you just never no go back to ross lyons comments about mitchell taking over from clarko when at fremantle he state that development coaches never make it look who eating there words ross!!!! hahahhahahahahaahahahahahaah
Brilliant!!!
The biggest reasons for their success are Sam Mitchell (ground ball and other basic skills are very well developed plus great game plan) and the players general fitness/running power and buy-in to the coach's plans.
A really fascinating and well thought out analysis of Hawthorn's rise this year. Thank you.
The only other thing I think is worth mentioning is that Sam Mitchell has mentioned clearly is that he is looking for character. He is looking for a set of inner attributes. I think this is a really important point, as all the talent and the star power in the world isn't going to cut it without things like humility to really listen and learn from the coaches and the veterans about the culture and the play style. And things like perseverance, encouragement, learning from your mistakes etc etc. All the talent and all the top draft picks in the world isn't going to cut it without character like that. I really do think Hawthorn's rise has a lot to do with Sam Mitchell's focus on the character of the players he recruits and trains.
But thanks again. Great video.
Appreciate the glaze unc 🥰
Thanks!
Thanks alot David really appreciate your support!
Great analysis. Development and structure at box hill would definitely also work well at hawthorn to help the players improve.
Unlike most of the bottom 4 breakout teams, Hawthorn have a bunch of players in that 28+ age bracket that are playing excellent footy this year. It will be interesting to see how they fill those gaps in the coming years with Tasmania right around the corner. No doubt their turnaround has been phenomenal. However, not fully committing to a rebuild tends to work against you in the long run. If they fail to improve next year with a harder draw, pressure will mount with Impey, Frost, Sicily, Gunston, Amon and the like entering their early 30’s will they be able to fill those gaps with a compromised draft. Time will tell. Cheers.
I have to say I said they were 10yrs away after five rounds but hats off to sam and the players changing how they played.
Great analysis. I would add a real hard edge especially in the midfield. Nash, newc, day and worpel are all ridiculously hard at it. Add that to the run of McDonald, Amon, impey and CJ it’s really a great mix in the midfield. Then the 5-6 ‘half forwards’ who work so hard. So much improvement in so little time.
great analysis. what they've done is great
Great analysis. I think also its the eveness of the side & not relying of a few gun players to get us over thr line each week.
As Hawks fan I am absolutely cheering.
One thing to note as well is the oppositions inconsistencies this year, which has benefited the hawks this year. I would still like to know how the hawks would go against an inform top 8 team. As I don’t feel other than the cats game at Kardinya have they played a top 8 team that’s played quality footy over 4qtrs.
GWS have won 6 in a row so that would qualify them as being an in form top 8 side.
How did they go…2 point loss in Canberra of a 6 day break…not playing their best footy (maybe helped by GWS forcing Hawthorn not to play their best footy).
With that said…same game on MCG could be a different result…play the game in Canberra again and it could be a different result.
Maybe the argument could be that Swans got Hawthorn at a good time? Only time will tell?
@@gregfidgeon4318 exactly. and we had them on toast at three quarter time like we did Port Adelaide who were in the top 4 when we played them. I don't think this young hawk side care about the reputation of their opponent.
I cannot remember a side that has risen so quickly without the AFL’s dirty paws all over it. No draft concessions, no buckets of cash and no ability to have generous academy picks as with the so called ‘developing states’ they have also overcome not being able to land a big fish from another club. They have been trying to get a decent CHB and forward for some years without success. I personally think Meek has been the big fish that has dragged this team out of the mire. Hawthorn have not had a dominant ruckman for years and he helps to bring those midfielders and the midgets up forward into play.
And all this while getting slammed for the Indigenous Report and a boardroom stoush.
If you think this video makes up for snubbing all our players in your under 22s team then....
Ok fine, we forgive you.
I am pretty sure you know I am sarcastic a lot. I like your channel because your opinion is genuine I hope it never crosses your mind to self censor or say something that you don't believe to avoid backlash from viewers.
"Gold Coast doing Gold Coast things" 😂
I'm loving the wave we are currently on.
My only concern was the switching off or choking when we lost to Port and GWS. I thought when they showed the live ladder mid game against Carlton showing us in the 8 we plateaued and didn't put them to the sword and chased crucial percentage points.
Go Hawks and great vid. thanks.
The problem with any draft of young talent is that you have to guess how good their mental makeup and physical resilience are. Trades usually have a better idea of these factors.
This is why I love AFL. Things can change very quickly.
the poster represents the players individually, however, as a team, these players are outstanding
Love the analysis mate, elite moustache too.
I think you hit the nail about Mitchell having a clear system, and so recruiting players for that system. Apart from Day, the high draft picks under Clarko post threepeat have been busts (DGB and Ward)
The Hawks just showing the whole league that full rebuilds can be done and done well in a short period of time.
Still think those missed early picks are going to burn us. DGB has been such a disapointment, Ward has gone a little better but is still a fair way off the pace. How much better would we be if we had an extra AA calibre full back and mid?
good analysis conor nash
I'm not ready to pronounce us any kind of ultra-flag-contender at this stage, but boy oh boy am I happy with the direction Sammy's heading us in. Great analysis, I'll be using this video whenever I see someone mindlessly howling "yEh bUt tHeY tAnKeD fOr hIgH dRaft pIcKs!!!"
On Massimo from an Essendon fan, we offered him a contract but Hawks offered him a better deal which he took. No hard feelings from me, I'm happy for him that he's made a good career choice and is playing good footy cos he was not going to be this player at Essendon. At the Bombers we used him off half back not the wing and Mass' was a defensive liability. He was lost at sea with his defensive positioning and regularly leaked multiple goals per game. With ball in hand he was a gun as he is now but we couldn't figure out a way to get the best out of his offensive work without also carrying a passenger on the defensive load. The Hawks deserve a lot of credit for really understanding his strengths and weaknesses and putting him in a spot on the ground that maximises his game.
The crazy thing is, apart from The Wiz, our other recent top 10 draft picks haven't really had a great impact on our list: MacKenzie, Ward, DGB
Spot On,. I'm feeling Mackenzie might not be too far away from a Conor McDonald round 19(?) type of game.
@@bakiunicorn yeah MacKenzie I've still got faith, Ward I'm losing confidence and DGB i think is a bust
yeah was going to post that too - MacKenize and Ward barely contribute.
MacKenzie reminds me so much of a young Sam Mitchell. His sidestep and delivery by foot is like a carbon copy.
You make some good points. You are severely under estimating the brilliance of Sams coaching and development of these players. Sam has admitted that the game plan at the start of the year was to complicated for this inexperienced team. So, game style matching their ability and playing players in positions where they will make the most impact. Turning Nash into mid the best example. Then there is develiping both young and older players. Everyone has improved and continues to work on thier game. Frost and Chol both show how the coaching has tought them both how to make the most of what they have. You also picked out that they are well balanced in contested and uncontested ball. That is due to coaching and nothing to do with draft selection. I like the points you make but having a coaching style that allows them to play with freedom, have fun on the field and stick to what they are good at are all attributed back to Sam and the coaching group. Unless hou watch them every week it is hard to appreciate these points, so again well done on the video. Go Hawks
They are putting together a great team rather than getting a couple of great players. They have total buy in from the players most on or about the same level of pay. If they can keep the majority of this playing group together, the next few years they should be pushing for yet another premiership
Great analysis Jesse- how similar does this Hawks team feel to the Richmond of 2017 especially with their mosquito fleet and hard running style
Don't recall when it was said (maybe pre-2022 draft; early 2023 season), or who said it (maybe Mitchell or one of the recruiters), but it was along the lines of:
"we're looking about 50/50 at the character of the individual and footy talent, not necessarily any pure outstanding skills or attributes".
*IF* true, I think that's why we're seeing a bunch of young guys with really high footy IQs who have sufficiently good enough skills and talent.
Credit the coach for getting the best from the players. Like the Melbourne storm.
Great analysis, ginnivan was actually a second round pick swap so they basically got him for better than free. Would love to see a video on how poor collingwoods drafting/trading has been.
Fantastic assessment, crazy that the Hawks have flown under the radar and got a lot out of discarded/unwanted players. West Coast has been the victim and beneficiary of the same.
Keep up the awesome work 💙 💛 🏆 🦅
In my opinion this is better than when Sydney got in from 0-6 I mean it’s mainly just from how grouped up the ladder is
I think you can argue that hawthorn have earned their right to play at the G this year. All signs with fixturing (we didn’t play a single night game and had several home games at marvel) indicates the AFL was pushing us to play at Marvel. Our results and crowd size has shown we deserve to keep playing at the G
Chol got a blessing being delisted by the tigers
It’s a pretty simple formula good kicks and good defender and pressure = Flags
Sam Mitchell said he had a plan and everybody including me gave him so much crap.
Everybody? There were plenty who believed in him, even from the very start.
@@Ghosn ok bro figure of speech fuck
I didn’t……but I remember reading thousands of awful comments by so many fair weather fans who didn’t trust Sam’s process and footy genius.
Bro you look like Connor Nash.
West coast was higher than hawks on the ladder round 8
Their premiership core is already there. Day & Weddle will be finishing top 5 in the Brownlows this decade; Dear will be a multi-Coleman; Massimo, Moore, Newcombe, Watson will all be multi AA’s.
Watch the wheels fall off next season on the hawks.. No pressure this year at all. Great game plan 0 injuries this year that's for sure.
There is a danger that the hawks get ahead of themselves. Improvement is very rarely lineal. There is no guarantee that the improvement continues on next year. The intangibles like form, confidence and belief can desert a team at any moment if everyone isn't on the same page and working hard. Look no further than Collingwood this year compared to last.
Sam Mitchell seems to be very good at reminding the guys that they have not really achieved anything just yet. He has consistently said all year that they deserve the ladder position they were in, they deserved 11th when they were 11th, they deserved 9th when they were 9th. However this year ends, I hope the desire to keep going one or two steps more over-rides the sense that they over achieved.
Hawthorn’s side on weekend had 3 players 30 or over (Frost, Gunstan, Breust).
The core group is 28 and under…based on ceiling…you’d imagine these kids who are 22 and under who have played less than 50 games will only get better in the coming years.
Some may stagnate or not develop…but it’s reasonable to say that the majority should improve on their current output.
@@gregfidgeon4318 The age profile is one that should get natural improvement overall. The Hawks have gone largely under the radar this year though, they will face a lot more tactical games next year with other teams trying to take away their strengths. I think last week against GWS was the first time that Will Day has had a hard tag on him all year. In isolation it worked, his output was well down. It kind-of backfired as Newcombe got clearances easily and GWS only came back once the tag was dropped but there will be more and harder challenges on individuals and the team as a whole.
hawthorn mate. just what we do
The guys have cohesion and are winning. How do they make room for a return of Mitch Lewis? Do they make the change or stick with the synergy that is clearly working
Hawks are flying! This gives me hope for Richmond in 3 years 😅
Not as good as West Coast's comeback in 1996 who were robbed of the Minor Premiership by a terrible goal umpiring error against Carlton, but still very admirable and good luck to them still reaching finals.
It’s official !!! Barrass has asked for a trade to Hawthorne. 1st & 2nd round minimum. I would pass those picks to Richmond to get Shai Bolton. West Coast lack midfield depth and players between 23-28.
I thought Connor Nash had an Irish accent..? .🤣🤣😂
When sides have their Back lines play to high up the ground Hawthorn will destroy them with pace. Sides need to keep their backs at home and force Hawthorn to kick it deep and get them to a 1 on 1. Then keep their own forwards at home and make the Hawthorn defenders accountable and make your mids work back to the drop of the ball. The name of the game is to take their strengths away.
You can’t if you play deep the smalls will kill you
@@tmbrown2409
It's a catch 22....play deep and Hawks rebound out of D50 too easily....flood and get smashed on the rebound.
The F50 pressure is killer for Hawthorn. It is relentless and deadly.
@@mistere3355 100% only sided with elite kicking skills and patience will penetrate
i think youre undervaluing the impact Nick Watson has had on this team this year. He is a big moment type player and has clutched some important goals that has then got the hawks on a roll. They are the type of team you dont want to give any momentum to. I think Bulldogs can bounce back but i see Hawks and maybe GWS in the GF if they dont face off in the EF or Prelims
I was at the game on Sunday. Watson impressed me was his defensive running. Not just to chase the ball carrier, but to prevent defenders finding targets or block space for the backs to run into.
That would 🐝 an epic Grand final 👍
A good old fashioned rocket up the arse . And if you have recruited on character like the boss has . Your time now.
Getting rid of dud Clarkson was the key.
When they went out in Straight sets in 2018 then the hard decision to move Clarko on should have been made. Melb should heed that advice with Goodwin as should the dogs if they fail again this year.
Just fir the record...
Clarko was not a dud. 😂
Getting rid of Clarko is why they improved, I'm believer that coaches r just like milk & have an expiry date, no matter how good they once were😮
I think we could have taken Larkey in the same season as lewis , imagine both
Hawthorn playing moneyball haha
Hawthorn hasn't won a spoon since 1965 yet keep winning a flag or 4 in each decade since, success is a culture which is why it sucks seeing great talent wasted on the worst clubs.
Melbourne and Carlton were given everything to make them better but their top picks never amounted to success, Melbourne only won a flag because they recognised that culture was important which is why they recruited Roos as coach.
Hawthorn got screwed year after year by the AFL academies and by father sons. They should have multiple top 5 picks on their list.
Sam has been shrewd in his list management/trades. Has a vision he can sell to his players. Don't buy into that vision, back to the VFL. Geez, see B Scott at a press conference, loosen up. Looks like suckin on a lemon and face looks like one. Great player/coach. Are allowed to smile. No wonder Massimo wanted out. Meeky was favoured by the AFL ruck rule change. "The AFL has changed the 2024 interpretation of Law 18.4 to permit straight arm blocks in a ruck contest, provided the player still contests the ball." Reeves was the preferred option until that. Scrimshaw spent awhile in the VFL with some tough love last year to get fitter so could get to more contests. Ginni had a little young fellas baggage where was seen with "maybe drugs" and then the races at Pies. Great get. Calsher Dear father son. What a great young player. Chol with his laconic way had me worried for the first 5 to 6 matches. Geez Cholly have a crack. Like a good wine has got better and better.
Great clubs find a way, it why weve won a flag in every decade since the 60s
Sam Butler was pick 23 in the same year we picked Macdonald, but he looks like an unfortunate bust
If we didn't fold from those unloseable positions against Port and GWS we would be sitting 2nd.
We aren't the 2nd best team in it, that's for sure.
Hawthorn has been rebuilding since 2016. Let's not forget they botched their original attempt at remaining competitive.
💪
Conner? Is that you?
Lack of stars?? Ummm Will Day ?? Jail Newcombe? JAMES SICILY?
Top draft picks are an overrated commodity. Nth Melbourne will have more top picks than any side in history as they continually tank in the longest rebuild, with Carlton being a close second. How successful have they both been?
Will break it down for you.
Recruit for youth.
Then LEARN TO RUN HARD ...BOTH WAYS.
It's not string theory
For some reason this team is another Collingwood in my eyes, I have no liking to them. Just an envious hatred
Love this mate. Go the Hawks! 🤎💛
Worth pointing out that we could have gotten Massimo for free, due to a weird rule around MSD players that Ess list manager stuffed up on, but we still gave Ess picks, I assume to keep good relations for future deals.
Also worth mentioning that O'Meara trade for Meek (along with Tom Mitchell to Coll) caused Damian Barrett to suggest Hawks were tanking, proving that any brain dead nufty can be AFL media.
Right up until mid-season Barrett was bagging Hawthorn for trading out Tom Mitchell, who is out injured long term while Hawks young midfield going great. Repeating what i said above , Barrett predicted Hawks for wooden spoon at season start. Proves two things 1) he's no judge and 2)foolish to predict in March what will be the case in August.
Liķe the.ball landing in front of the boundary ump ,out side the line.
REALY.
If you dont see a dynasty your blind! 13 of best 22 are under 23 years of age! 18 19 20 21 year olds! Mckenzie ward are 20 and 21! What you have not said is how young the team is! So when all these kids are in there prime how damn good will they be! And trust me HUGE trades will come next 3 years! As all players will see the talent the amazing coach and mostly hawks have proven they build dynasties every decade for last 60 years! With the trades we will get another dynasty is going to happen! SECOND YOUNGEST TEAM IN COMP doing what they are and you dont see another dynasty! Im not sure which club your looking at! Your talking like there in there prime!! Cmon mate look better than that!!🤎💛💪🏆🏆🏆🏆