Should have had an actual forward coaching the group 4 years ago. Blows my mind we had Stafford coaching the forwards. I’m pretty sure that’s who was coaching them

Have banged on about this for some time and I dare to dream we would get someone like Hawk involved. Would be ironic if we moved May forward.

Love this.

Potential ins

Hawkins, Hamill, Scarlett, Bartel.

Can I take the credit here - because I've been a keyboard warrior banging on about this and not been invovled in any discussions with Tom at all!

22 hours ago, deelusions from afar said:

Is there any other news on the assistant coaching front? We seem to have a few roles to fill.

Always hated Geelong with a passion though that is at least partly due to their continued competitiveness - so don't mind the idea of a few ex-Geelong people getting on board. Is Tom Hawkins in the frame? We need some help with forward craft - and Mihocek is a start - but having a coach who's played in a modern system and known for not just kicking but also creating goals

On 19/09/2025 at 10:40, deelusions from afar said:

The main thing I'd be wanting to get from BM coming in (and maybe a new assistant as well) is some improved forward craft / structure (not saying this isn't something they've been trying to fix for a while). How are our young key forwards meant to develop when there are so few (any?) natural forwards at the club. I rate Melksham and Fritsch but because of their size and skillset have to play differently to key forwards and are often trying to get out the back rather than come at the ball carrier. I don't think this works for your main focal point to play like that. Kentfield, Jefferson and JVR all have shown potential... but its only potential. Someone like BM could be a huge help in helping us structure up on field.

Not sure the extent of King's connections and other priorities / contractual limitations etc but would love to see him try and bring in someone like Tom Hawkins to help coach the forwardline. Though I despised him as a player, he did seem to get better with time (suggests someone who relies on their brain rather than athleticism) and is well known for creating goals (through assists) rather than just kicking them himself. I think it's probably been as long as the days of Neitz / Robertson (other than some brief stints from Brown, Hogan, Clarke etc) that we've had a true key forward leader in the forward line.

With a year off, can Tom put the boots on again

Edited October 9, 2025Oct 9 by Demons1858

24 minutes ago, Frustrated Demon said:

Should have had an actual forward coaching the group 4 years ago. Blows my mind we had Stafford coaching the forwards. I’m pretty sure that’s who was coaching them

As someone who was a coach for 20 years, if you've ever coached, you'll know that the best coaches are often not the best players. Bizarre, I know.

12 minutes ago, Demons1858 said:

With a year off, can Tom put the boots on again

His boots would still fit... his shorts however....

He can teach our forwarfs to clumsily elbow defenders in the face and get away with it.

1 minute ago, chookrat said:

He can teach our forwarfs to clumsily elbow defenders in the face and get away with it.

Jeffo could do with this

2 minutes ago, chookrat said:

He can teach our forwarfs to clumsily elbow defenders in the face and get away with it.

Also how to score a farm worth millions

Will have to extract him from Steven May's pocket first.

Our forwards will be using the elbows and pushes in the back much more now

"Big boys, all stand at the top of the square and wait for a long, high ball in. Kozzie, stand 10m in front of the pack"

What, do we only recruit coaches who have proven they can belt our players?

That said, Tom Hawkins was a smart footballer with exemplary team-first attitude and a ton of insight into every aspect of key forward craft.

1 hour ago, Frustrated Demon said:

Should have had an actual forward coaching the group 4 years ago. Blows my mind we had Stafford coaching the forwards. I’m pretty sure that’s who was coaching them

To a flag if you don’t mind FD.

I recall they mentioned either this or next week for assistant coaches, is that accurate?

50 minutes ago, Very Jaded said:

Also how to score a farm worth millions

You are very Jaded😂

You can’t put a boy in Toms body unfortunately.

57 minutes ago, chookrat said:

He can teach our forwarfs to clumsily elbow defenders in the face and get away with it.

You beat me to it, chookrat! His forward craft, power and team-first attitude are outstanding but I have to admit to being appalled at how often he got away with belting opposition players, and pushing in the back.

My question would be - "does this great forward know how to convey his craft to other younger players"?. Shannon Neale speaks highly of Hawkins' influence so let's hope so.

He could be a really great mentor for van rooyen

when the dust settles on trade period if we include King snd Hawkins we might be well ahead regardless of outcome with Oliver and Trac.

I also think Health Black will prove a very good get.

29 minutes ago, bluey said:

You can’t put a boy in Toms body unfortunately.

Probably big enough to eat one though

😁

24 minutes ago, 48 Year Now said:

I also think Health Black will prove a very good get.

??