HAWKS’ YEAR ON THE LINE
ALL clubs across the AFL Barwon region came together to support the TAC Towards Zero round, with football captains donning the number zero on their jumpers and netball sides wearing TAC-branded socks. More than 1000 captains across the state were involved in the initiative, and some of the most poignant messaging came from our towns. If you haven’t seen the videos from Bannockburn, Queenscliff or Corio, make sure you have a look online. for his first game since Round 10 following a back injury and now is facing an indefinite time out again after his knee inflamed on Thursday night. The race will be on to get him fit for finals. Jack Heathcote (shoulder) and Cam Lockwood also looked worse for wear after the win over Queenscliff. HOW much will St Mary’s rue its slow start to the season? The Saints kept themselves in the finals hunt with a strong win over Newtown & Chilwell, and are a game outside the top five. Their best is obviously good enough — they have beaten St Joseph’s, South Barwon and now Newtown & Chilwell — but will their slow start mean a rare finals miss? WHAT has happened to Newtown & Chilwell? Unbeaten four rounds ago, the Eagles have lost three of four and, worryingly for coach Damien McMahon, the defeats have all come against their direct competitors. Without captain Matt McMahon on Saturday, they looked well short of their best. CONVERSELY, what has happened to Drysdale? The Hawks have lost their past three outings — the shock loss to Newcomb on Saturday the worst of the lot. Yes, they have had some injuries to key players, which never helps, but hardly any teams would be at full strength this time of the year. If the Hawks do not defeat table-topping Geelong Amateur this weekend, Drysdale’s finals chances are more than likely over. That is something that did not seem possible a month ago.