Get ready for an exhilarating sports story that will have you on the edge of your seat!
In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, Calsher Dear, the emerging forward for Hawthorn, stole the show during an intense duel with Josh Battle. As concern grew over Will Day's potential injury setback, Dear's performance became the talk of the town.
The Hawks, in their lengthy training session, divided into teams for a full-ground match simulation. And it was Dear, with his bulked-up physique, who stood out for the white team. He dominated both near the goal and further up the field, showcasing his athletic prowess.
Dear's skills were on full display as he took impressive marks and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates. Dylan Moore and Jack Ginnivan, although missing their shots, couldn't deny Dear's early dominance.
"He was flying today!" exclaimed Hawks ruck Lloyd Meek. "His ability to cover the ground and take those clunks was exceptional, especially with Battle on his tail. It's a match-up worth watching."
Dear's impressive performance comes at a time when the Hawks are hinting at some strategic bench changes for the upcoming season. With the sub rule scrapped, teams now have five players on the bench, and the Hawks are exploring the benefits of playing two tall players in their 23-man squad.
On Thursday, the Hawks experimented with a ruck-forward balance, pairing Meek and Ned Reeves together. This move could be a game-changer, especially with Reeves' dominant performances in the VFL and his ability to relieve Meek during games.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Meek suggests that the Hawks will consider all options, including this ruck-forward setup. "We've got the fifth person on the bench, and Ned has been impressive. Sam (the coach) likes to try different positions, and it's good for everyone to have a second role."
And this is the part most people miss...
The Hawks are not just looking at rucks; they're also focusing on their forward craft. Meek and Reeves need to work on their forward skills to find the best match-up. It might even be a week-to-week decision, depending on what gives them the best look on game day.
In other news, Josh Ward, the on-baller, is set to take on more responsibility in 2026. He was a standout performer during Thursday's session, moving with purpose and authority. His ability to spread and position himself for the ball was exceptional.
But the most notable aspect of Ward's training was his vocal leadership. He screamed for the ball and consistently encouraged his teammates, a true sign of a team leader.
The inevitable internal match sim scrap also provided some entertainment. Sam Butler and Conor Nash had a brief heated exchange, a reminder of the competitive spirit within the team.
"It's always 'Butsy'!" laughed Meek. "Healthy competition is what drives us. As soon as you cross the white line, it's all about the opposition. I love the competitive nature, and it brings out the best in us."
Two players vying for Hawthorn list spots, Flynn Perez and Ethan Stanley, also impressed during training. Perez, a former North Melbourne defender, and Stanley, a Box Hill product, both showcased their skills and made impressive defensive plays.
Three players, Henry Hustwaite, Will McCabe, and recent draftee Cameron Nairn, took it easy during training, nursing minor injuries. Skipper James Sicily, recovering from minor shoulder surgery, also sat out contact drills and match simulation.
The Hawks are entering this year as premiership contenders after an impressive 2025 season. Lloyd Meek expressed the team's excitement about their potential achievements in 2026.
"The closer you get, the more it hurts when you can't win it," Meek said. "But we're confident we have the team, the club, and the personnel to go all the way. It'll be a collective effort to steer towards the cup this year."
So, what do you think? Will the Hawks' strategic bench changes pay off? And can they go all the way this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
