So earlier in the year before day was in the side, we seemed to not put too much emphasis on the midfield and instead play the fast transition game where we’d speed out of the backline. This saw us claim scalps like Sydney, Geelong, bulldogs, Adelaide and Gold Coast (who were actually good back then).

Since day has come back we’ve been a lot better in clearances and territory and the midfield has held up very well but at the expense of a slow unorganised backline which couldn’t move the ball as well. Newcombes had a quiet few weeks while day returned to form last week and ward has been consistent. But we’ve only beaten Carlton and some middling or lowly opponents in the second half of the season. What would you change with our playing style?

Qualifying final, the boys are through to a home prelim.

As posted previously we fielded a strong team, a lot of guys with AFL experience, most of which have played this year.

Dear had 4 and flew for the footy very well.

Butler had 3.

Nairn and Greeves both made a big impact.

Mraz was really good, lot of intercepts despite being thrown forward a few times for some reason.

Blanck looked good down back too.

He did look solid and ready at afl level when we played him but coming off a 5 day break into a final may be too gruelling for him. Fremantle just have a dangerous forward line

✨️ GAMEDAY ✨️

2026 VFL Qualifying Final - Werribee V Box Hill Hawks
Melbourne Avalon Airport Stadium
Sat 2:05 pm

Looks like the strongest VFL team all year. Good to see Mraz back.
Scrimshaw out - unsure if that’s injury or strategic selection- thoughts?

Might help provide some answers to the selection headaches in the AFL team.

Go Hawks

So I’m a 20-year member and lifelong Hawks supporter but I’ve somehow managed to get myself sent to Sydney for work this week. I’m travelling with another Hawks fanatic so we’re looking for somewhere in Sydney, preferably around Darling Harbour, to watch the game.

Any tips?

The Sporting Globe looks like it might have it but there’s an NRL game on at the same time so not sure how that’ll go.

Does anyone have any experience watching AFL games there?

Barrass, battle and Sicily are all locked in and mraz is developing nicely too. Then we have Hardwick Impey. I’m not sure if scrim fits in our team however he’s a solid player and could be traded somewhere like north who need defensive improvements.

I think it’d be better than crows, blues, dons, pies, suns, gws, dees, north, port, tigers, stk and eagles

Brissie freo cats swans and dogs could give us a run for our money.

The reality is we arent gonna be able to offer him opportunity unless we are playing him over Chol and gunners retires, I think hes gonna be a superstar but he has to look after his own interests.

Would the fans be willing to see chol in the vfl with gunners if it means we can keep dear?

Assuming we land them both, what numbers would they take? I think king might take 13 if calsher departs. Merrett could take 20 and we’d delist Finn maginness (which should’ve been done a while back)

So many have written us off,

I know we've been pretty patchy last 2 months.

I know Freo are the best team in the league ATM.

But i genuinely feel we can go over there and get the upset with the right attitude.

Am I dreaming??

Would love your thoughts 😂

I really don’t think we can be playing both of them, because these two play a lot better when it’s just them. I think reeves is a great tap ruck and gives our mids first possession but then he just disappears from the game. Getting 5 disposals is really not good enough.

And then we have meek on the other hand. Earlier in the year he seemed to struggle with the new ruck rules and was fumbly with his disposal. But in games without reeves he has improved significantly and can tackle or take a great mark.

I’m leaning towards meek (who should ruck 70/30 with chol) over reeves but let me know if I’ve missed anything

What more does Newc need to do to make 1 AA?

Dominates every year since coming into the league and cannot make the bench once in his career?

An inside bull who is durable and is a great decision maker, apparently not good enough.

Thoughts fam?

That’s all I have to say

If you had to be perfectly realistic, what does the side look like next year in terms of best 23? How have you felt with the level of our new players this year? Who stays in and who goes when it comes to the rumoured acquisitions of King and Merrett?

Have absolutely loved some of the younger blokes coming into the side and can easily see some being mainstays, as I feel like we seem to play better with the energy of some of the debutants across the field. Very reminiscent of the fun hokball era of 2024! I do forsee some struggling to get minutes on the field with our already developing players and current performance suggesting that we're in the midst of contention for a flag however...

Mraz is going to be a star if he keeps up the way he's going! Loved the look of Beattie as well, and clearly lets Watson play more mid without losing out on scoreboard pressure.

Curious of the thoughts of other nuffies!

Jack Gunston

2018, 2025 All Australian Team

Jarman Impey

Never previously All Australian

Jai Newcombe

Never previously All Australian

James Sicily

2023 All Australian Team

Nick Watson

Never previously All Australian

I think we'll see Impey and Wiz make the AA Team.

Small sample size but Beattie is looking good. Love seeing a small forward boot a good left foot snap.

I know the game isn't high pressure, but he seems to be composed at the level and running nice patterns.

Another handy asset to the mosquito fleet.