World record run attempt Mighty fighting Hawks in Morwell

Football

By TOM HAYES

THE Hawthorn Hawks have completed the final leg of their Morwellpreseason camp, finishing with amorning session at Ronald Reserve and some hill sprints at Federation University.

SinceMonday, January 30, theHawks have been in the LatrobeValley for apre-season camp,asthe club looks to tie up some loose ends.

At the end of the 2022 season, ruckman and club captain, Ben McEvoy, retired leaving agaping hole in the squad.

Not only did coach Sam Mitchell have to identify anew number one ruckman, but also anew club captain.

Mitchell was the 41st captain of the Hawks from 2008 to 2010,inthose 15 years, Hawthorn have had four different captains and will soon have afifth. Despite the patching needing to be done, the Hawthorn teammateshad four days to bond more and become abetter team, following adisappointingyet characterbuilding 2022, which saw them finish 13th on the ladder.

Returning to Morwell was Hawks’ defender Changkuoth (CJ) Jiath, who grew up in Morwell before moving to Kew to play football at Xavier College -where he was drafted from.

“(It’s)very good to be home…obviously Iwas playing at Morwell Tigers and growing up here, I’vestill gotthat special feeling when coming home and interacting with the fans and friends when I come back,” Jiath said.

“It’sdefinitely awesome to be backhere, training at Morwell East as well.”

While in town, Jiath was able to catch up with former coach-the current Gippsland Power coach, Rhett McLennan.

“Rhett (McLennan) was one of my development coaches at Gippsland Power,” Jiath said.

“I shared alot of work with him and he’s developed me in areally special way and I’ve really engaged with him alot of thelastthree or four years.”

Jiath noted the significance of an AFL club coming into the LatrobeValley, reminiscingon the time he watched AFL clubs come into town.

“When Iwas ayoung kid it was (Western) Bulldogs and Collingwood that camedown,”Jiath said.

“It was just agreat feeling to share that moment.

“I try to give moments to fans, when they come to training and stuff like that because Iknow how much it meanstothem.”

Jiath hintedatthe possibility of ateammate, James Sicily, becoming the captain, although nothing is yet to be announced.

“He used to be afiery head -James Sicily -but it’s so nice to see him develop in this way of being caring and really open towards histeammates,” Jiath said.

“We’re starting to see areally good side of him now that we can possiblysee him as acaptain, guys like Dylan Moore as well and Frosty (Sam Frost).”

Jiath spoke on his aspirations on joining the leadership group sometime in the future.

“I’m starting to formareally good identity, in speaking up and leading,” Jiath said. “It’s going to be achallenge Iguess,bit obviously I’m working to it and gettingbetter everyday.It’s something I’m looking forward to in the future.”

Also attending the press conference was former GippslandPower player, Jai Newcombe, who believes the young list has the ability to teach and grow.

“It’s exciting, we’ve got agreat rangeofleaders and reallydiverse guysright throughoutthatcan certainly take on the role,” Newcombe said.

Newcome, 21, had an outstanding 2022 season, coming second in Hawthorn’s Best and Fairest as well as ranking third in the Rising Star.

“I think it’s pretty easy to reset being in the system for two years now, still alot of up-side with what’s capable for me,” Newcombe said.

“It’s allabout strivingfor what’snextand not really settling with agood year last year, but there’s still so much more growth and potential there.”

Newcombe didn’t appear to be worried with the loss of talent throughout the midfield, reiterating the fact that maturity remains within the squad.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge it’ll present there,” he said.

Newcombe’s connection to Morwell wasn’tas significant as Jiath, explaining he visited every now and again.

“I’ve obviously been here alittle bit with (Gippsland) Power, Iwas based 45 minutes from here, floated through with afew interleague things more so for cricket rather than actually football,” he said.

“It’s nice to be back, Inow my way around. As muchasI’m close to home but I’mnot home,I still feel comfortable around here.”

The Hawks willlook to keep the momentum rolling and maintain the fitness they have built up throughout this pre-season, as pre-season games begin at the end of the month.

Hawthorn have two pre-season games; first against reigning premiers Geelong on Thursday, February23, then they play Collingwood on Thursday, March 2.

Training nights are Tuesday and Thursday at Olympic Park from 6.30pm. For any player looking to play at aclubwhich sets high standards on and off the park and has agreat social atmosphere, you are most welcome to come along and train with the squads. For more information, phone O’Farrell on 0400 611 013.

Moe United juniors and Mini Roos have also stated training on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 6pm.

Age groups Moe United will be looking to field in are: Under 5s, U7s, U9s, U11s, U13.5s and U16s.

All past, current and new players, male or female are invited to come along and try out.

Junior coaches for2023are:Harley Devlin (MiniRoos), Dan McKean (U11), Andrew Bednarski (U13.5). Under 16s TBC.