Bret Thornton's Possible Role At Hawthorn
The days of watching Zac Dawson and Josh Thurgood being overwhelmed in the Hawks backline look to be over now. Even if Croad plays forward next season the addition of Bret Thornton, the return of Danny Jacobs and the continued development of Roughead, Birchall and Ellis will mean that Hawthorn have plenty of options in defense.
Thornton could start at fullback, giving Dawson a bit more time to develop and add muscle before he goes back there. Jacobs and Roughead would fill the other tall spots, Roughead as a centre halfback while Jacobs could be a loose player using his marking skills to cut off attacks. Birchall seems to be a versatile player who has height but also enough pace to play on smaller players, he should play every game next season. Xavier Ellis could be introduced to AFL from the halfback line, launching attacks from the back and down the wing with his skilful left foot.
The toughness of Campbell Brown, the experience of Joel Smith and the running of Jordan Lewis are some of the other options the coach has at his disposal for the backline at Hawthorn.
Thornton turns 23 next month, so he fits perfectly with the 22 and 23 year olds currently at Hawthorn like Hodge, Mitchell, Sewell and Brown. Franklin, Roughead and Bailey are still 19, while Robert Campbell has yet to enter his prime and is only 24. That is a talented group of youngsters.
Thornton has currently played the third most games in the AFL without ever playing in a final, behind a couple of unlucky Bulldogs on that list, so his frustration at Carlton and his desire to change teams is understandable. If Thornton does get his wish next week to be traded to Hawthorn it will be the final piece needed for a young and promising defensive unit.
Thornton could start at fullback, giving Dawson a bit more time to develop and add muscle before he goes back there. Jacobs and Roughead would fill the other tall spots, Roughead as a centre halfback while Jacobs could be a loose player using his marking skills to cut off attacks. Birchall seems to be a versatile player who has height but also enough pace to play on smaller players, he should play every game next season. Xavier Ellis could be introduced to AFL from the halfback line, launching attacks from the back and down the wing with his skilful left foot.
The toughness of Campbell Brown, the experience of Joel Smith and the running of Jordan Lewis are some of the other options the coach has at his disposal for the backline at Hawthorn.
Thornton turns 23 next month, so he fits perfectly with the 22 and 23 year olds currently at Hawthorn like Hodge, Mitchell, Sewell and Brown. Franklin, Roughead and Bailey are still 19, while Robert Campbell has yet to enter his prime and is only 24. That is a talented group of youngsters.
Thornton has currently played the third most games in the AFL without ever playing in a final, behind a couple of unlucky Bulldogs on that list, so his frustration at Carlton and his desire to change teams is understandable. If Thornton does get his wish next week to be traded to Hawthorn it will be the final piece needed for a young and promising defensive unit.
