Development coach Chris Newman reviews every Hawthorn-listed player’s performance for Box Hill in the first VFL practice match of the year.
The Hawks overcame Essendon by four points at Tullamarine on Saturday.
Kieran Lovell
“Played only 31 minutes of game-time. He had a bit of a niggle in his shoulder so he wasn’t able to impact with his limited game-time. It was his first game back so obviously disappointing for him. We don’t know what the results are but we are hopeful that he can return this week and get some more game-time in”. CN
Blake Hardwick
“He has had a bit of a change of role this pre-season now playing as a defender. He is quite a capable defender. He is currently working on getting his offensive and defensive balance right. He can defend really well and he can also use the ball really well. It is a new position for him so a lot of it is pretty foreign but he is starting to get the balance right and have a good impact off half-back”. CN
Conor Glass
“He has come a long way. He was able to get some VFL Development games in last year and he actually played in their premiership. He is progressing really well, he can use the ball really well and is starting to show some signs of being a good defender. He had a solid game on the weekend. He likes to take risks with the ball, which is really good and we back his leg in”. CN
Conor Nash
“It was his first game at VFL level after having a bit of a hit-out with the AFL team in the JLT game against Port Adelaide, where he did a couple of nice things. Similarly, on the weekend, he had a couple of areas where he was quite good but it’s still a bit of a learning stage for him. He has quite a lot of development left in him so he’ll look to take little steps along the way and try and get his head around AFL footy probably playing as a tall defender at this stage. He is quite an aggressive player, coming from a rugby background, so he likes to tackle and compete which we love about him”. CN
Jack Fitzpatrick
“Fitzpatrick played ruck/forward. He hit the scoreboard and competed really well in the ruck. So that’s what we expect from Fitzy. He marks the ball quite well, and can push back and help the defence too. We’re just looking for his workrate around the ground. We feel like the more contests he can get to, the better we will be. He had a really solid game”. CN
Luke Hodge
“It was his second game for us. A bit more limited game-time this time around but his ball-use and direction out on the ground was still evident. He used the ball really well and was quite aggressive around stoppages. He rolled through all areas of the ground, playing a bit forward, back and midfield but majority midfield”. CN
Harry Morrison
“His first game for us in the VFL after he played with the seniors against Port Adelaide. He reads the game quite well and his workrate to push back is good. He plays as a rebounding half-back who can also defend well. He’s a young kid, who we will look to keep developing his game. We feel like he can contribute both offensively and defensively. He uses the ball quite well and is a real competitor. He also has quite good hands for a smaller type”. CN
Kaiden Brand
“It was his first game for the pre-season after a little setback with an injured thumb. It was a really solid game from Brand. His ability to mark the ball and win back possession was a highlight last year. It looks like he’s in pretty good physical condition. He used the ball well and, without having stats, probably would have taken four or five marks from opposition kicks. It was certainly a strong first hit-out so hopefully he can build on that performance”. CN
Daniel Howe
“Howie played majority on-ball, both inside and outside. He provides us with great flexibility as he can play in defence as well. His movement off the ball was elite and is intensity around the footy is quite good too. He accumulated a lot of possession through his workrate, which was good”. CN
Ryan Burton
“Burton played probably majority forward, but also little bits and pieces in the backline. He has proved that he can play both ends. He provided us with a good target leading up at the ball while also using the ball quite well in the back half. He impacted at both ends. He kicked three goals but also had multiple other opportunities as well”. CN
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Brendan Whitecross
“Whitecross played the majority forward and on-ball. He provided a stronger body in the contest and was quite clean in and around the stoppages. Obviously, with his experience, he provided a lot of leadership for us. He also got a few shots on goal for us, which is good”. CN
Tim O’Brien
“O’Brien provided a real contest for us forward. He took some really strong marks and had a few shots on goal, while giving a couple off. He looked quite lively forward. He had a good, strong presence and if he wasn’t marking the ball then he was bringing it to ground. He has quite a good tank so he used that well too”. CN
Oliver Hanrahan
“Looked quite lively as a small forward, he uses the ball really well. He is really composed with his decision making and he ended up getting a few opportunities at goal too. He only kicked one goal in the end but could have quite easily finished with three. He is another player that is showing some good progression”. CN
Mitchell Lewis
“Lewis is another first-year player who can play in the ruck and up forward. He loves to run and jump at the footy. He competes really hard. He is another player that is taking some slow steps at the moment”. CN
James Cousins
“Cousins played on ball and a little bit forward. He’s a pretty tough, in-and-under player that can find some space. He’s a first-year player that has made a pretty good impact early which is good”. CN
Teia Miles
“Miles played back for the whole game. We know what ‘Milesy’ can bring with his offensive run. He’s also worked on his defensive game throughout the pre-season and we’re seeing little bits of that as well. He will continue to try and find that balance but we want him to be his creative self and provide some really good offensive drive for us as well as competing when he has to”. CN
