Murray MiddletonHawks Punt On A Dew
February 27th 2008 03:47
At the end of the 2004 season the bottom three teams were Hawthorn, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs. Peter Schwab, Danny Frawley and Peter Rohde subsequently lost their jobs. What followed was a ruthless battle to obtain the signatures of career coaches Terry Wallace and Rodney Eade. The Tigers secured Wallace's signature by offering an unprecedented five-year contract. The Bulldogs literally locked Eade in a room to ensure that he would not receive calls from rival clubs. The Hawks were left to decide between the untried Allastair Clarkson and Gary Ayres. They opted for Clarkson in a move that appeared to make him somewhat of a sacraficial lamb in the broader hope of securing the services of club legend Leigh Matthews.
Richmond and the Western Bulldogs climbed the ladder in 2005, leaving Hawthorn still languishing down the bottom of the ladder. Eade and Wallace were hailed as saviours, while Clarkson's coaching credentials were consistently mocked in the media. Three years later it is Hawthorn who are seemingly mounting a challenge for an AFL premiership, while Richmond and the Bulldogs are trying to recover from disasterous campaigns in 2007. Dissappointing seasons in 2008 would definately spell the end for Wallace and Eade. Despite a tense relationship with his president, Clarkson's job appears to be the safest of the three. From the outset he was willing to trade seasoned campaigners - Thompson, Hay, Everitt - to secure the best young talent in the country. The lamb may not be sacrificed after all.
The 2007 National draft was the first time since Clarkson took over that the Hawks have drafted a player over the age of twenty-five. With their third and final selection (number 45 overall) they took Stuart Dew, complementing youngsters Cyril Rioli (pick 12) and Brendan Whitecross (pick 29). Prior to selecting Dew in the draft, the Hawthorn hierarchy requested extra time to discuss their decision. Television cameras captured a heated debate between Clarkson and his assistants. Finally, through Clarkson's urging, the Hawks selected Dew. The decision was by no means unanimous. In selecting the twenty-eight year old, retired, former Port Adelaide player, Clarkson sent a clear message to the football world: The Hawks premiership window is well and truly open.
Stuart Dew played ten seasons with Port Adealide and managed 180 matches. He began as a half-back flanker who used his potent left foot to break the lines. During the second half of his career at the Power he was transformed into a pinch-hitting forward, capable of kicking goals from outside fifty metres. Dew regularly tormented the likes of Essendon and Geelong with his blend of football smarts and raw ability. Dew played an important role in Port Adelaide's 2004 Premiership. At the end of 2006 Dew announced his shock retirement. The Power had dropped out of the finals and seemed intent on rebuilding. Dew said that he no longer had the desire to train and play at the highest level.
By mid 2007 Dew had moved to America with his partner. His weight had ballooned to an alleged 127 kilograms. Retirement was treating him well. Too well. It came as a great shock to the football world when Dew announced that he had nominated for November's national draft. He had already shed ten kilograms, a feat that convinced Clarkson of his desire to play at the highest level once more. Clarkson had a strong relationship with Dew from his time at the Power and was eager to add some experience to the team in the wake of retirements from Vandenberg, Smith and Dixon.
Dew seems likely to replace Ben Dixon in Hawthorn's forward line. He is within sight of his old playing weight and is a chance to make his debut in Hawthorn's NAB Cup semi final against Adelaide this weekend. At his best, Dew is a potent weapon, capable of unleashing sixty metre left foot kicks lace out to teammates. At his worst he is an unfit, lazy and laconic footballer. The public loves a comeback. Tony Lockett tried unsuccessfully in 2002. But Dew is younger and, marginally, leaner. Dew only has one or two seasons left in his body. But it might be enough. He has the opportunity to play in a second premiership. The Hawks hope that he will share his experience with the younger players, enabling a genuine premiership tilt. If the punt salutes, Clarkson will be praised for his ambition. If not, perhaps the lamb will be sacrificed?
Thankyou for reading.
-MM
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Comment by jon
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Comment by Anonymous
Everyone knows there supporters are a bunch of overweight down-syndrome riddled, chronic masturbators.
I make good points
Comment by Shears
Similarly, Guerra has been a solid ex-Port recruit. With rejuvenated hair and a role at half-back, his distribution was excellent for the hawks last year. He finished 6th in the Hawks B & F and played every game, winning the Hawks most consistent player award – something St Kilda supporters would still find unbelievable.
Dew showed enough last night in his first outing for the Hawks. Although overweight, he still used the ball effectively. As his fitness improves, expect him to be a solid contributor for the hawks.
Interestingly, Clarkson has signalled his intention to use Dew across half-back. This makes sense - there just isn’t space in Hawthorn’s forward line for Dew.
Hawthorn’s rotating triangle offence was very effective in 2007. Clarkson will stick with this type of structure in 2008, to allow Franklin the space he needs to weave his magic. Clarkson already needs to find room for Shotgun Williams who is returning after missing 2007. He won’t kick 60 goals as he did in 2005 & 2006, but he will still be a difficult match-up - lightning on the lead and an excellent set shot for goal.
The forward line will also need to accommodate Cyril Rioli. He has been a livewire in the NAB cup - the Hawks have finally found the small crumbing forward they have so desperately needed. If he goes walkabout, then Cameron Stokes looks like he too could fill this role.
Franklin aside, Mitch Thorp is the best forward line prospect on Hawthorn’s list and should also play forward for the hawks at some stage late in 2008. Thus, it is likely there won’t even be room for one of Roughhead or Boyle – one of whom will be trade bait by the end of the season.
Dew will only fine his way forward as a pinch hitter – and in this department, Hodge is probably the best pinch hitting forward in the league. Watch for Dew to take up the role of backline Marshall, as he did early in his career at Port Adelaide.
Comment by Anonymous
This was best displayed last year when they choked against the Kangaroos in the finals.