Hawthorn's plan for on going success - lessons for the Pies.

[Lazza]

I reckon I have cracked their code for success and it is that simple. When you already have a highly skilled, multi-talented flag winning team and the only problem is ageing, you keep on replacing the oldest players and those who leave (Eg. Clinton Young) by two methods.

1. Get experienced players from other clubs in the 24 - 27 age group who have about 3-4 years left (Eg. They are now going after Yarran).

2. Use the draft to get young players who the develop really well through their VFL links to Box Hill, which a very well run club. Make sure about 1 or 2 youngsters make it or are close to making it each year. (Eg, Sicily, Langford etc.).

This keeps the momentum up and more importantly, keeps the team strong enough to retain the winning culture, positive attitude and confidence required for continued success. It also eases the burdens on the coaching staff because of the structure in place to present really good young/new players into the club.

So no, it is not rocket science and they have to still play by the rules. However, the ONLY method of stopping their continued charge is for the other clubs to not trade players to them and to hope that the youngsters they draft don’t succeed. Unlikely to happen, therefore Hawthorn likely to dominate again next season.

[uuuuu..... The LoneSTAR]

They should probably get some credit for identifying their requirements & then targeting the right mature' players. Of course luck always plays a part.

[Lazza]

[Bob Sugar]

They only draft-recruit players who can kick, and they have a preference for left footers, that's their secret.

[Lazza]

[perthmagpie]

We have as many left footers.

[Pies4shaw]

Was there some problem with recycling Crisp, Varcoe and Greenwood last year?

[Lazza]

[npalm]

While the Hawks recruiting strategy has been excellent, I think the key thing is that they manage to recruit these experienced talented players (Lake, Burgoyne, Gunstone etc) and still stay under the salary cap.
I know they saved a lot of salary cap room when they lost Buddy but that doesn't explain it fully.
To me their success is dependent on their ability to convince their players to accept massive 'unders'. That way they can keep topping up with talented players year after year.

[E]

[stui magpie]

Their cherry picking of trades and free agency has been brilliant, they've gone for needs and done well.

The other under rated thing is that they have lost very few players seeking opportunities elsewhere, those in the VFL are willing to work their tail off to be available to crack a shot at getting in the seniors and potentially be a premiership player.

[Piesnchess]

Lazza, thing is tho mate, try as they might , they will NOT replace outriight stars like hodge, mitchell, burgonyne, lake, lewis, hale, and even roughie and riolli in the not too distant future. They can trade their asses off, but you dont replace stars like that with rejects etc, it cant be done. Time and age will get them, its inevitable, it happened to the lions and cats, the cats only this season, age is inevitable, and they cannot be replaced by guys with equal talent. Period.

[ANNODAM]

[makri]

But Oracle Hine says anyone can learn how to kick. Look at the work in progress that is Cloke.

[think positive]