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Unfulfilled Potential by Matthew Harrington, Radio Sport 927 May 21, 2002 Hawthorn's biggest danger this season, is itself. The exciting Hawthorn outfit is running hot, with four successive wins, and appears destined to be in action until late September. Despite missing key big men, the Hawks managed to overcome a determined, but severely depleted Carlton at the MCG on Friday night. Led by Captain Shane Crawford, the Hawks lifted to overrun the determined Blues and continue the winning streak It was a good win, but it was an expected one. Had the Hawks lost, some big questions would have been asked. They were tipped to wipe the floor with the Blue boys. It was only because of some last quarter brilliance from a senior player or two that the Hawks won, forcing the media vultures to move on, where they eventually found a mortally-wounded St Kilda, and out-of-form Swans coach, Rodney Eade to feast upon The Hawks can be good, but can be terrible too, all in the same match. Regularly, this season they have played a good 10 minutes here, and a good 10 minutes there. It was no different against the Blues. After an expected tough start, the Hawks pulled away to lead by five goals mid-way through the second quarter. By how far, was the general consensus from the 39,142 fans, who braved the freezing conditions to witness the expected slaughter. The Hawks then went missing, allowing the Blues back into the game and actually trailed by 13 points during the final term. Enter Crawford, Lekkas and Co, and the Hawks pinched the four points using their get out of jail free card. It's this inconsistency which could self-destruct the Hawks later this season.
After rebuilding through the late 90s, the Hawks have improved each season, so much so that grand finals and premierships were mentioned in whispers down at Glenferrie through the off-season. Once optimistic, fans now expect their boys to be a top-four contender, and the players are aiming high, but they need to give the opposition clubs more respect. With such a tight season, attitude could make or break a club. Against Melbourne in round one, when the Hawks came from the best-part of eight goals down to lead at the final change. The body language in that three quarter-time huddle was evident, the Hawks thought they were home. The boys were patting each other on the back, reflecting on how good that last 20 minutes of football was. History shows Melbourne pulled away to win. A similar thing happened against the Blues during Friday night's second quarter, however the Hawks managed to save it. Against the top teams the Hawks won't be able to get away with it. Maybe the young stars have started to believe everything they've read about themselves. Or perhaps the club has brought an individualistic attitude on itself, following last year's trading period. At times this year, the Hawks players have looked to be playing for themselves, not the team, and this could have direct links to the trading of the out-of-form Trent Croad. Maybe, maybe not. Yet, this time last year the now-Docker did seem an untouchable. Hopefully for the Hawks, coach Peter Schwab can get his classy team a bit more level headed, giving more respect to opposition, because playing four quarters of football will follow if he can, making the brown and gold machine almost unstoppable. If he doesn't, the get out jail free cards will surely run out, and the Hawks could read about themselves in the papers, under the banner of unfulfilled potential. Balls and All.....this month • The Greatest Show on Earth Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Mind Games Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Racing's New Frontier Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Defining Moment Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • The Sleeping Giant Matt Harrington, 23 May 2002 • Unfulfilled Potential Matt Harrington, 21 May 2002 • Time To Act Matt Harrington, 16 May 2002 • Football, Witchcraft and Flying Saucers Matt Harrington, 9 May 2002 • Changing Dimensions Matt Harrington, 3 May 2002 | ||||
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