He is one of Hawthorn’s most underrated players but the important role David Hale plays can’t be underestimated.
In a time where clubs continue to search for a secondary ruckman who can also play as an effective and dangerous forward, Hale is the perfect fit and many clubs would love to have him.
In 2013, Hale enjoyed an outstanding season in which he played all but one game and was a key reason why the side was so successful.
In a forward line that was star studded, Hale was never outshone, providing great contested marking and goal kicking ability plus the defensive pressure all teams desire from each of their 22 players.
Hale will look back on his 2013 season as probably one of his best at the elite level, which only adds to the accolades received by Hawthorn for their ability to recruit players from other clubs to fill a specific need.
His partnership with Max Bailey worked well throughout the year and his agility for his and determination to impact each contest he’s involved in are some of the key attributes that shone in 2013.
He averaged 13 disposals, 16.9 hit outs, 4.1 marks, 2.5 tackles and almost a goal a game, which is a great return for a player of his size and position.
But what is most astonishing about Hale’s year was that he was ranked in the top five at the Club for contested possessions behind Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis, Jarryd Roughead and Luke Breust and he was also ranked in the top 10 at the Club for clearances and centre clearances.
He was also ranked eleventh for tackles behind midfielders and mid-sized defenders who filled the top 10.
Hale also kicked 20 goals for the year to be ranked fifth at the Club.
He had a consistent season where kicked multiple goals in five games and was only held scoreless in two matches.
He kicked three goals and was one of Hawthorn’s best in the Grand Final re-match against Sydney in Round 7 where he also gathered 14 disposals, had 15 hit outs and took six marks.
His games against Collingwood too, in Round 21 shouldn’t be underestimated despite the fact he was inaccurate in front of goal. Hale was the most dangerous forward on the ground in the first half along with Collingwood’s Travis Cloke and finished the game with 15 disposals, 19 hit outs, five marks and 1.3.
But Hale saves his best for last, with an outstanding finals series.
He averaged 14.3 disposals, 14.3 hit outs, 6.6 marks and 1.3 goals across the three finals. His standout performances came in the first two finals when he kicked two goals in each of the Qualifying and Preliminary Finals.
In fact, he kicked a crucial goal in the second term of the first final against Sydney to give the Hawks the momentum.
But his role on Grand Final day too, shouldn’t like his season be underrated given he had the giant task of facing Aaron Sandilands.
In the decider, his tackling pressure for a big man was also outstanding as he made his presence felt on the biggest stage of all.
Hawthorn and the man himself could only be blissfully happy with his output in 2013 but the challenge is ahead of him to get to know his new ruck partner, Ben McEvoy.
Like 2012 when he had to build a ruck relationship with Roughead, Hale will need to form a partnership and understanding with McEvoy over the pre-season and in the early matches and continue his outstanding form of 2013.
What Chris Fagan said: “He’s probably an underrated player in the AFL.
“His ruckwork is really important, so too his ability to mark the ball when he goes in the forward line and his ability to create so many opportunities for his smaller teammates through his ability to contest the ball and bring it to ground level.
“He always responds well when given responsibilities and gives his all every time he plays.”
Hale in the news in 2013
- ‘Sandi’ challenge ahead of Hale, Bailey
- Hale extends contract
- Similar role expected for Hale
Videos featuring Hale in 2013
- Hale re-signs
- Hale speaks after the Qualifying Final
- Hale after the win over Sydney in Round 7
