The Box Hill Hawks went into its opening match with four new and exciting Hawthorn-listed names in its line-up. Rookie Ruory Kirkby, Jordan Lewis, Jarryd Roughead and Bo Nixon (against his former club) all made their Box Hill debuts. Williamstown selected many experienced VFL listed players including ex-Hawks Brad Lloyd and Rayden Tallis. 2004 Hawthorn rookie Paul Shelton was also named for the Seagulls.

The Box Hill forward line functioned like a well oiled machine in the first half. Key forwards Jarryd Roughead, Clinton Alleway and Tim Harvey severely tested the Seagull defence with their marking ability (Alleway and Roughead taking 16 marks between them) and all round aggression. Small forward Kristan Height did brilliantly in winning the contested footy (21 possessions and 6 marks) but let himself down with some missed chances in front of goal.

Apart from one season from Brad Ottens, Richo has never had a foil like Jarryd Roughead.

"Roughie" is precisely the buddy that Franklin needs along side him: a solid bloke with a lumberjack physique, who can't be budged. He's the rock on which the cult of Franklin will be built.

"Yeah, well, you get to play next to the guy who's arguably going to be the best bloke to ever play footy, and sometimes you get the second-best defender, so it's a win-win every week! You get a good view of watching Buddy do what he does and you have a good chance of beating your opponent," the less-profiled but no less valued member of Hawthorn's enviably talented duo of tall forwards says, before undertaking morning goalkicking practice in the lead-up to tonight's first final.

When they met as 15-year-old All-Australian representatives, Roughead and Lance "Buddy" Franklin liked each other instantly. As 21-year-old AFL teammates, they remain best mates despite the fact that as footballers, personalities and physical specimens, they are more yin and yang than peas in a pod.

"(It) was noticeable early in the game, Roughy had to sacrifice his position a fair bit, but that's what team play is all about," Clarkson said.

"As it turned out, they (the Bombers) were recognising that Franklin was making too great a contribution and that's when 'Roughy' started to kick his goals. He ended up with three, so that's what team play's all about."

Jarryd is very mobile and kicked 46 goals for the Gippsland Power in 2004. He is a fantastic one-grab mark, competitive and looks a superb talent.

Most of his 2005 season was spent in defensive roles, where it is hoped he will develop his football nous. Many believe his future lies in the front half of the ground.