GATTON HAWKS

LAST YEAR 8-8, 7th

THE YEAR AHEAD

LAST year was a mixed bag for the Hawks, as they narrowly missed out on a finals berth after going down in a playoff.

They showed plenty of promise, defeating premiers Dalby, however few close contests ultimately brought them undone.

Coach Shaun Hobson said they weren’t looking back on last year, instead looking ahead to playing their game each week.

“We’re focused on being competitive week in, week out,” Hobson said.

“We want to play for each other, and being the best version of ourselves is what we’re trying to achieve.”

Hobson said coming in with a clean slate would prove beneficial for the team, and he wanted consistency in their performances to be a cornerstone of Gatton football for 2018.

“I wasn’t there last year but have seen some footage and heard some stories,” he said.

“Consistency and being competitive each week is what we’re looking for. There isn’t an easy win in the Toowoomba competition. Every game is a challenge.

PLAYER TO WATCH

“I doubt an individual will explode, as team performances will be the cornerstone of our season, but Austin Jennings is relatively quick, and if we can get him some ball in good areas, he will go quickly,” Hobson said.

VERDICT

Gatton are a hard team to catch.

They showed a heap of promise last year, and even managed to knock off the premiers, but other games left you scratching your head as you wonder what could’ve been.

They will win their fair share of matches this season, and have recruited well, adding to the depth of the side.

If they can stay injury free, they might be able to sneak into the finals, but I think they may just fall short when the whips are cracking.

PREDICTED FINISH 7th