So maybe calling the Hawks a one man team is a bit harsh so I’ll rephrase it. Can Hawthorn win the flag without Lance Franklin? Their stunning late season form, which includes Franklin’s six week absence, suggest they can. But if you look at the previous two very impressive wins against two genuine premiership contenders in the Swans and the Eagles, you can pin point moments of Buddy brilliance that proved to be the difference. Against the Eagles it was a barnstorming four goal first quarter, while against the Swans it was Buddy’s strength and influence in the goal square that proved decisive as he kicked four (in his first game back) to help peg back a fist half 38 point deficit.
A Buddy-less Hawks is still a very impressive outfit. Among their best all year Luke Hodge, Cyril Rioli, and Brad Sewell have shown they are playing in no ones shadow stepping up a different times to guide the team to 12 victories from their last 13 games. But it’s points to Franklin’s potency that despite his extended layoff, he was still in the hunt for the Coleman Medal up until last night. Maybe it’s as simple as saying a Buddy-less Hawks can win the flag while a Hawks with a fit and firing Franklin will win the flag. It is going to be a very interesting month of football indeed.
Congratulations to the Hawks for their first Minor Premiership in 23 years !
Picture by Getty Images
