COACH: Denis Grinton (new)
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LAST YEAR: 3rd – 12-7
CONSECUTIVE preliminary final losses has lit the fire in Huntly this year to take the next step.
The Hawks have bowed out to arch-rivals North Bendigo one step from the grand final in 2016 and 2017, but look to have assembled a list under new coach Denis Grinton that will continue the push for the club’s first HDFNL premiership.
Among the additions are star midfielder Doug Thomas, who alongside the likes of dual Cheatley medallist Ryan Semmel, Harry Whittle, a fit Jack Daley and co will form the nucleus of a strong Huntly on-ball brigade.
Forward Josh Evans is joining the Hawks after kicking 135 goals for Numurkah in the Murray league the past two years, while hard-running winger Jesse Galea is a Central Highlands premiership player with Springbank.
“We feel that we’ve strengthened our spine and also added some depth to the list,” said Grinton, who previously coached the Hawks in 2000 and 2001.
“We’ve had a really solid pre-season working on the way we want to play.
“Our midfield depth is probably a bit greater than what it has been in the past and that’s probably going to be where our strength will be this year.”
Quick wrap on the Hawks
ARRIVALS
Doug Thomas, Simon Collis, Jacob Coleman, Josh Dickerson, Josh Evans, Jesse Galea, Jordan Gladman, Luke Mann, Michael Skolyarev, Mac Whittle.
DEPARTURES
Ewen Pickles, Daniel Paterson, Tom Skewes.
THE BASICS
Sportsbet flag odds: $3.50
Player points: 43
Last flag: 1940 (Bendigo District Football Association).
FIRST MONTH
R1: v White Hills (h)
R2: v LBU (a)
R3: v North Bendigo (h)
R4: v Elmore (a)
PAST FIVE YEARS
2017: 3rd - 12-7
2016: 3rd - 13-6
2015: 5th - 9-8
2014: 7th - 6-10
2013: 2nd - 15-5
