UNSOCIABLE footy is the phrase often bandied around the Hawks since its ‘unsociable’ approach to the game was a characteristic of the Club’s 2008 premiership side.
The modern game is a tough, hard, contested one, with all clubs placing a premium on its ability to hunt its opponents and win the hard ball.
The Hawks are no different.
Utility Shaun Burgoyne admits that while the Hawks love to play hard, tough, contested football, being ‘unsociable’ isn’t the focus.
“We think we’re a team that needs to play on the edge,” Burgoyne said.
“We want to play tough, hard footy.”
But that isn’t the only aspect of the Hawthorn style, but Burgoyne says the Hawks love to push the limits.
“We also want to run hard and use the ball the way we want to use it,” he said.
“Playing tough is one aspect to our game, as long as we’re not breaking rules, we’ll probably push it as far as we can."
Spearhead Lance Franklin was a welcome addition to Hawthorn forward line for Saturday’s top of the table clash.
The Hawthorn full forward missed six matches before finally making his return to the Hawks’ line-up.
It appeared as though he hadn’t been missing at all, as Franklin proved a headache for the Swans defence.
He emerged as the most damaging forward on the ground, sparking the Hawthorn revival in the second term by booting two goals.
He finished the match with four goals and 14 disposals.
Burgyone said it was great to have Franklin back in the forward line.
“He just wanted to get back out there and play footy,” Burgoyne said.
“It was great to have him out there, get a few kicks and a few goals.
“He’s going to be better for the run again this week.”
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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