HAWTHORN AFL GRAND FINAL PENPIX
BACKS
24. Ben Stratton
Age: 26. Ht: 189cm. Wgt: 91kg. Games: 116. Goals: 1. Finals: 12. Grand finals: 3.
The workman-like defender doesn’t get the accolades that he deserves but his teammates know what a key cog he is in their back six.
17. Brian Lake
Age: 33. Ht: 195cm. Wgt: 98kg. Games: 250. Goals: 34. Finals: 18. Grand finals: 2.
The Norm Smith medallist has been freed up to take on the opposition’s second key forward or resting ruckman more this season.
12. James Frawley
Age: 27. Ht: 193cm. Wgt: 94kg. Games: 156. Goals: 24. Finals: 3. Grand finals: 3.
Terribile start to finals campaign against the Eagles, but has bounced back to claim the key scalps of Taylor Walker and Matthew Pavlich in a more familiar defensive role in the past fortnight.
HALF-BACKS
14. Grant Birchall
Age: 27. Ht: 193cm. Wgt: 91kg. Games: 215. Goals: 30. Finals: 20. Grand finals: 4.
His composure and drive from the back half have been a key component of the Hawks’ successful era. At his most damaging when playing as a loose man in defence.
6. Josh Gibson
Age: 31. Ht: 189cm. Wgt: 95kg. Games: 189. Goals: 2. Finals: 17. Grand finals: 3.
The defensive general is a tough competitor in one-on-one situations. His ability to read the play allows him to get across and help out teammates in marking contests with great effect.
9. Shaun Burgoyne
Age: 32. Ht: 186cm. Wgt: 89kg. Games: 294. Goals: 244. Finals: 25. Grand finals: 5.
Silky-smooth midfielder who is something of a finals specialist – only games record holder Michael Tuck has played more. Can be counted on to dispose of the ball efficiently when the heat is on.
CENTRES
10. Bradley Hill
Age: 22. Ht: 181cm. Wgt: 78kg. Games: 74. Goals: 46. Finals: 7. Grand finals: 2.
The lightning-quick winger is a key link in the Hawks’ midfield chain and has also hit the scoreboard of late with a goal in four of his past five games.
5. Sam Mitchell
Age: 32. Ht: 179cm. Wgt: 83kg. Games: 284. Goals: 67. Finals: 17. Grand finals: 4.
The sublimely-skilled onballer has shown no signs of slowing down, averaging 31 possessions a game in his 14th eason. Still his side’s leading clearance winner.
26. Liam Shiels
Age: 24. Ht: 183cm. Wgt: 84kg. Games: 123. Goals: 43. Finals: 12. Grand finals: 3.
After a slow start to the season, the well-rounded midfielder has enjoyed solid form late in the year and was a key contributor in the Hawks’ two finals wins.
HALF-FORWARDS
33. Cyril Rioli
Age: 26. Ht: 177cm. Wgt: 80kg. Games: 156. Goals: 219. Finals: 12. Grand finals: 4.
Rioli’s ability to pull off the miraculous on the footy field is matched by his impeccable work ethic. Among the best in the preliminary final win over Fremantle.
25. Ryan Schoenmakers
Age: 24. Ht: 195cm. Wgt: 94kg. Games: 94. Goals: 27. Finals: 7. Grand finals: 1.
The versatile tall has endured another inconsistent campaign but didn’t disappoint when he was recalled to replace Jack Gunston in attack after the qualifying final. One of the few Hawks of his vintage not to have played in a premiership team.
16. Isaac Smith
Age: 26. Ht: 188cm. Wgt: 82kg. Games: 110. Goals: 99. Finals: 12. Grand finals: 3.
The line-breaking winger was quiet in the qualifying final loss after a knee scare but bounced back into form in the past fortnight. His run and carry will be a key factor.
FORWARDS
22. Luke Breust
Age: 24. Ht: 184cm. Wgt: 84kg. Games: 115. Goals: 224. Finals: 13. Grand finals: 3.
Dangerous small forward who found top form with six goals against Adelaide in their semi-final thumping.
2. Jarryd Roughead
Age: 28. Ht: 193cm. Wgt: 193kg. Games: 230. Goals: 490. Finals: 14. Grand finals: 4.
The spearhead coped admirably in overcoming a skin cancer scare earlier this year. He hasn’t been at his prolific goalkicking best, but will always command the opposition’s best defender.
28. Paul Puopolo
Age: 27. Ht: 173cm. Wgt: 76kg. Games: 110. Goals: 98. Finals: 12. Grand finals: 3.
The energetic small forward has kicked just one goal this finals series but his pressure acts and high work rate continue to be greatly valued by his teammates.
RUCKS
7. Ben McEvoy
Age: 26. Ht: 200cm. Wgt: 103kg. Games: 122. Goals: 44. Finals: 6. Grand finals: 2.
The preferred option in the No.1 ruck role in the back half of the season after a spell in the VFL. Doesn’t get huge hitout numbers but provides a strong contest.
15. Luke Hodge (Capt)
Age: 31. Ht: 186cm. Wgt: 89kg. Games: 270. Goals: 187. Finals: 16. Grand finals: 4.
The inspirational skipper’s courage and leadership were on display late in the preliminary final win over Fremantle when he went back with the flight to spoil and landed heavily on his back. Hard-nosed approach will be a crucial factor in his fifth grand final appearance.
3. Jordan Lewis
Age: 29. Ht: 186cm. Wgt: 88kg. Games: 239. Goals: 133. Finals: 16. Grand finals: 4.
The combative midfielder has averaged 29 possessions a game this season. Got banned for two games for striking North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein in round five but his aggression will be a key factor.
INTERCHANGE
4. Matt Suckling
Age: 27. Ht: 187cm. Wgt: 86kg. Games: 101. Goals: 50. Finals: 9. Grand finals: 1.
After playing a key role in last year’s premiership, Suckling hasn’t enjoyed quite the same success this year and was dropped at one stage. Capable of a big performance when it counts.
8. Taylor Duryea
Age: 24. Ht: 179cm. Wgt: 80kg. Games: 62. Goals: 12. Finals: 5. Grand finals: 1.
Played his best game of the season in the preliminary final win. Leads all Hawks for rebound 50s this season.
20. David Hale
Age: 31. Ht: 201cm. Wgt: 102kg. Games: 236. Goals: 217. Finals: 17. Grand finals: 3.
The ruck-forward has been subbed out of all three finals this season but at his best he provides good cover in the ruck and is a genuine tall marking target in attack.
19. Jack Gunston
Age: 23. Ht: 193cm. Wgt: 84kg. Games: 102. Goals: 216. Finals: 7. Grand finals: 3.
The club’s leading goalkicker missed the last two finals with an ankle injury but makes a welcome return to the Hawks’ attack where his ability overhead and at ground level makes him a tough match-up.
EMERGENCIES
18. Jonathon Ceglar
Age: 24. Ht: 204cm. Wgt: 97kg. Games: 31. Goals: 15. Finals: 2. Grand finals: 0.
Hasn’t played since round 19 with Ben McEvoy was preferred as lead ruckman.
31. Angus Litherland
Age: 22. Ht: 192cm. Wgt: 90kg. Games: 19. Goals: 1. Finals: 0. Grand finals: 0.
The defender broke through for 13 games last year, but struggled to get a look in this season with the back six more settled.
40. Billy Hartung
Age: 20. Ht: 177cm. Wgt: 75kg. Games: 27. Goals: 14. Finals: 2. Grand finals: 0.
Reclaimed a spot in the side for the semi-final and added a good burst of pace coming on as the sub for the past two weeks. Very unlucky to be dropped for the grand final.
Coach: Alastair Clarkson
The master tactician has guided his side into their fifth grand final since he took over ahead of the 2005 season and is gunning for his fourth flag and a historic third in succession.
