Here Comes Hawkins
The Cats need someone who brings a different skill-set and a different mindset to the game, the answer could be Tom Hawkins. He is a huge body who will take contested marks, or at least crush a pack and provide an opportunity for the crumbers, and Hawkins can kick goals. He is a genuine full forward, as opposed to Ottens and Mooney who are ruckman/forward combinations. Hawkins is in the same category as other power forwards of the AFL like Brown, Tredrea and Rocca.
Coach Thompson says that Hawkins will be playing soon, it doesn’t seem like he will play against Carlton but a loss in round 2 could mean a round 3 debut for Hawkins. From round 3, Geelong play Melbourne, Hawthorn, the Kangaroos and Richmond. A forward structure that includes the height of Hawkins, Ottens, Mooney and N Ablett could trouble those teams. Another key to success with a big lineup would be the smalls that compliment them, Chapman or G Ablett would need to contribute and some fast players like Brynes, Wojcinski or Varcoe could also help.
From The Age newspaper: Cats licking their lips on Hawkins
AFL Fantasy Impact:
Hawkins’ preseason injury held back his introduction to AFL. With inexpensive fantasy forwards like Alwyn Davey playing in round 1 it made Hawkins a less valuable fantasy bench prospect compared to other players. That strategy will have to be adjusted when he does play, as he could be much better for fantasy teams than players like Jetta, Cockshell, Krakouer, Campbell and other very inexpensive fantasy forwards. In fantasy games that count contested marks he could have real value, with a couple of goals per game, a few contested marks and around 10 possessions he will have a good return for fantasy points compared to his low fantasy price.
Coach Thompson says that Hawkins will be playing soon, it doesn’t seem like he will play against Carlton but a loss in round 2 could mean a round 3 debut for Hawkins. From round 3, Geelong play Melbourne, Hawthorn, the Kangaroos and Richmond. A forward structure that includes the height of Hawkins, Ottens, Mooney and N Ablett could trouble those teams. Another key to success with a big lineup would be the smalls that compliment them, Chapman or G Ablett would need to contribute and some fast players like Brynes, Wojcinski or Varcoe could also help.
From The Age newspaper: Cats licking their lips on Hawkins
AFL Fantasy Impact:
Hawkins’ preseason injury held back his introduction to AFL. With inexpensive fantasy forwards like Alwyn Davey playing in round 1 it made Hawkins a less valuable fantasy bench prospect compared to other players. That strategy will have to be adjusted when he does play, as he could be much better for fantasy teams than players like Jetta, Cockshell, Krakouer, Campbell and other very inexpensive fantasy forwards. In fantasy games that count contested marks he could have real value, with a couple of goals per game, a few contested marks and around 10 possessions he will have a good return for fantasy points compared to his low fantasy price.
