As part of a three part series, hawthornfc.com.au reviews the season thus far of all Hawks players to have played a senior match in 2014. The third and final part of the series includes forwards.
Jarryd Roughead
The reigning Coleman Medalist has been a rock in the Hawks’ first eight games this season, particularly considering the changes to the forward setup after the departure of Lance Franklin. Roughead is responsible for leading the new-look attack, which has recorded the greatest total score tally in the competition-to-date. The vice-captain has personally kicked 20.9 this season to sit fourth in the league’s goalkicking tally, while his nine goal assists places him sixth in the league overall– indicative of his willingness to look after his teammates. His versatility has also been on show when rotating through the middle of the ground, using his big body to make his presence felt while chiming in with an average of two clearances per game.
Cyril Rioli
‘Junior’ set the competition ablaze with his first six games of the season - providing a unique highlights package. His game-winning goal to sink Essendon in round two, his high-flying mark and follow-up goal against Fremantle in round three, his four-goal third quarter against Richmond in round six, and his electrifying goal against St Kilda in round seven, are just a few of the wonderful moments that we’ve been treated to by this unbelievably talented footballer this year. He suffered a minor hamstring injury in round eight against Sydney, but fortunately he is due back in a month to reveal some more Rioli magic.
Luke Breust
‘Breuuuust’ has developed into one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition, kicking 24 goals in his eight games this season to rank second in the Coleman Medal tally. The dynamic small forward worked hard on his goalkicking over the summer, which has resulted in his remarkable accuracy of 24 goals and 4 behinds this season. Breust also leads the competition for goal assists with a total of 13 this year, while averaging career-high numbers in disposals (18.5), marks (4.4) and marks inside-50 (2.5) per game.
Paul Puopolo
Hawthorn’s ‘Energiser Bunny’ continues to evolve as a player, developing from a forwardline pressure specialist to a midfielder who evokes the same nervousness in opponents all over the ground. With a work ethic and defensive highlight reel that would make any coach drool, Puopolo has also worked hard this year to sharpen his offensive skills. The 26 year-old ranks second at the club this season for goal assists (10), while also kicking 10 goals to sit fifth on the Hawks goal-kicking tally.
Jack Gunston
Named as the Hawks’ Best Finals Player for his string of impeccable performances throughout September of last year, Gunston has coped well with the extra attention he’s received this season. With coaches and defenders putting time into curbing his influence around goal, Gunston has used his mobility to roam and make an impact up the ground. While contributing 19 goals this year to rank sixth in the Coleman Medal tally, Gunston is also enjoying career-best averages in disposals (16.8) and marks (7.1) per game.
David Hale
Hale has adapted quickly to his increased forwardline responsibility with the departure of Lance Franklin and addition of Ben McEvoy. The reliable 29 year-old ranks third at the Hawks for contested marks this season, while also contributing with nine goals for the year. Hale also ranks second at the club with an average of 16.5 hit-outs per game.
Tim O’Brien
The developing forward showed promising signs in his two senior appearances this season and will continue to build strength and confidence as the year progresses. He kicked a classy goal in round one with his first touch for the Hawks, marking strongly in front of Lion Daniel Merrett then kicking truly from 50 metres out.
