DRYSDALE co-coach Ben Carmichael is confident it can develop a forward structure to cover the departures of a trio of star forwards during the off-season.
BFNL leading goalkicker Mat Hebbard, who finished with 95 goals, has joined GDFNL club Geelong West, and Billy Beardsell (26 goals) has headed to Surfers Paradise.
Veteran spearhead Jarrod Garth, who kicked 14 goals in six games on his return from a serious knee injury, had considered retirement but is expected to play elsewhere in 2023.
However, with James Breust (35 goals), Matt Gunn (25), co-coach Tom Ruggles (24) and Ben Fennell (23) all kicking more than 20 majors for the season, Carmichael believes the Hawks still have plenty of firepower to ensure it will contend for its first flag since 2010.
“There are a lot of goals going out,” Carmichael admitted. “But, I think we’ll structure up a little bit differently.
“We’ve certainly got a lot of guys who can kick goals; Tommy Ruggles, Luke Breust, Mitch McGuire can play forward.
“We’ve had a few guys in the reserves that probably haven’t got an opportunity like Jake Hargreaves as a small forward – he’s got good goal nous.
“We think we’ll get plenty of opportunities to kick goals, and these guys certainly know where the big sticks are.”
Carmichael is also bullish about the arrival of veteran Northern League star Hamish Paynter.
Paynter has an impressive football resume, including winning a best-and-fairest with Talent League club Northern Knights ahead of former Essendon stars Michael Hurley and David Zaharakis.
He has played all his senior football with Macleod, where he served as captain.
“He brings heaps of experience and is really crafty around stoppages,” Carmichael said.
“His spread is really impressive as well.
“He’ll be really good for us.”
Drysdale will play two practice matches before hosting reigning premier and preliminary final conqueror Barwon Heads in Round 1.
The Hawks will face GDFNL club Geelong West on March 4 at Drysdale Sports Precinct before travelling to Bacchus Marsh on March 18.
Meanwhile, the Hawks are mourning the death of well-respected life member Alan O’Neill.
Known fondly as ‘Muncher’, O’Neill died last Friday following a brief illness
He joined the Hawks as a player from Leopold but made his mark off the field.
“After he gave the game away, he spent some time as a gatekeeper before finding his niche in the club as a trainer – a role he went on to fill for decades,” a post on the club’s website said.
“He also served on (the) committee for some time.
“As a trainer, Alan would rarely miss a session, no matter the day, time or weather; and relished his match day role, which he carried out with aplomb; “sticking fat” through the lean years and enjoying the rewards of premiership success.”
O’Neill is survived by his wife Pam and sons Scott and Aaron.
Twitter: @tom_king79
