TOPIC:

I think the Hawks will benefit from their defeat by the Demons last week in the same way that their defeat by the Eagles in the first week of the finals last year focussed them. Their experienced players will come to the fore in September. However it will depend on how much they really want it.

Hawthorn have a club culture that is the envy of the rest of the competition and Clarkson has integrated the young players into the team and they play with the same confidence and swagger of the older guys. If they can win 4 straight flags they will be the greatest team in modern history. At the moment they rank with the Brisbane Lions of 2001-03.

I would say that time will catch up with them next year and they may fall away a bit so 2016 presents them with a massive opportunity. Sydney and Geelong are their greatest dangers.

Good on you A/M, for starting these threads. Hopefully it will encourage some others to post about AFL. I have to admit that even though I am a WAFL fan through and through, I also enjoy watching an AFL match or two every weekend and generally enjoy it.