With injuries to Max Bailey and Broc McCauley, Hale has taken on the Hawks’ number one ruck mantle and has been impressive both for the Hawks and for Dream Team coaches.
Since partnering with fellow forward Jarryd Roughead, Hale has enjoyed more time on the ball, rather than being confined to the forward line. Hale has pounced on the opportunity, and used his mobility to have an impact around the ground.
Hale has averaged 13.6 disposals since taking on the role, and has improved his ruck work and ability to find a teammate. In his 11 games as the Hawks’ main ruckman, Hale has recorded career-high disposals (23 against Melbourne) and hit outs (40 against the Kangaroos).
That good form has translated to impressive Dream Team scores from a player not many would have considered a good buy for their team at the beginning of the home-and-away season. His highest score, 113 against North Melbourne was backed up by a 101 point effort against Port last week.
Importantly though, those two scores are not rare, with Hale being a consistent Dream Team performer on a number of occasions - with scores of 104, 99 and 90. His average over the past three matches is an impressive 90.3 and a last five round average of 89.8.
His price, a manageable $367,100 makes him an ideal candidate for your team’s forward line that might need a player who has three points avenues - hit outs, disposals and goals.
Round 12 spotlight
Josh Gibson ($288,800) - The Hawks’ iron fist has played an important role for the side, becoming one of the best rebounders from defence as well as locking down on his opponent. Gibson is averaging 16.4 disposals from defence, including 24 possessions against the Power last week. That netted him 103 Dream Team points to take his average to 70.44.Jack Gunston ($233,900) - In his first game back for the Hawks, Gunston booted three goals and was a valuable contributor to the Hawks’ big win. From 11 possessions, Gunston booted 3.2 and took seven marks for 75 Dream Team points. We’ll keep an eye on him over the next few weeks.
Bradley Hill ($112,900) - In his third game for the Club, Hill was again the substitute but wasted no time in making an impression when given the chance in the final term. Hill gathered 11 possessions, kicked two goals and grabbed 57 Dream Team points in just 30 minutes of footy. That’s premium midfielder stuff!
Top 5 Hawks in Round 12
1. Brad Sewell ($416,400) - 106
2. Josh Gibson ($288,800) - 103
3. David Hale ($367,100) - 101
4. Lance Franklin ($506,000) - 99
5. Cyril Rioli ($361,000) - 95
Top 5 Hawks in 2012
1. Lance Franklin ($506,000)
2. Sam Mitchell ($437,600)
3. Brendan Whitecross ($399,500)
4. Brad Sewell ($416,400)
5. Matt Suckling ($391,500)
Join Hawthorn Football Club's official Dream Team league by entering the league code 288223 for your chance to win a signed 2012 Hawthorn jumper!
Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s Digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.
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Check out hawthornfc.com.au's preview and analysis of this weekend's match, Looking ahead to Brisbane Lions. View the team that will be taking the field for the Hawks against the Lions.
