After making a remarkable recovery to return from an anterior cruciate injury sustained in the same season in 2011, defender Ben Stratton enjoyed an uninterrupted year in which he became a key player in Hawthorn’s back six.
He managed only three games before the injury last season but after diligently working on his rehabilitation, returned for the Club’s Semi and Preliminary Finals against Sydney and Collingwood.
But, he played every game for the Hawks in 2012.
The continuity in his football allowed Stratton to adjust once more to the pace of AFL and the intensity required to play at the game’s top level.
With fellow defenders Josh Gibson and Shaun Burgoyne providing leadership in the back half, Stratton’s development went to the next level as he became a consistent and reliable performer and defender for the Hawks.
His athleticism and overhead ability makes him a nuisance to his opponents. He can match it in pace and agility with midfielders, and when matched up on the opposition’s key forwards, ensures they have no time or space to set up a teammates or kick a goal themselves.
His playing style is best summed up by a 10 second piece of vision from Hawthorn’s Preliminary Final win over Adelaide.
Of course, it’s the game saving tackle made on Crows gun Patrick Dangerfield in the dying minutes.
Stratton corralled Dangerfield, a player known for his speed and ability to outrun opponents.
Stratton lunged and brought him down, forcing a turnover that ended in a Hawthorn goal.
One week he brings down Dangerfield, the next week he takes on promising Sydney key forward Sam Reid and keeps him out of the game.
Such is Stratton’s versatility.
Throughout the season too, Stratton’s ability to combine defence with attack developed as he combined with Grant Birchall and Matt Suckling to provide great drive off half back.
He twice managed over 20 or more disposals (in Round 3 against Adelaide and Round 16 against Western Bulldogs) and given his primary role is to stop his opponent, those returns are a bonus for the Hawks.
At 189cm, the defender has played 52 matches and his natural development and progression as an AFL player will continue to grow in 2013.
The challenge for the 2013 year old now is to build his strength in one-on-one contests and continue to provide run from defence when he can.
| GA | K | H | D | DE% | CP | UP | M | CL | T | I50 | G | PCM | |
| 2012 averages | 25 | 7 | 4.7 | 11.7 | 82 | 4.2 | 7.5 | 3.9 | 0.3 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 0 | 95 |
Ben Stratton shows his athleticism, taking on Sydney's Adam Goodes.
Videos featuring Stratton in 2012
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