Hawthorn is in ruins barely half a decade after a storied triple premiership, and it can be traced back to the calculated and remorseless actions that started towards the end of 2016. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, it can only be an oncoming train.
The decisions made by Clarkson to cast off superstars that had given him decades of loyalty, particularly former captains that had set the tone and culture of the club, while seen at the time to be bold and courageous acts were actually a culture killer and one of the greatest acts of personal hubris in the AFL this century.
The overrated Clarkson, backed by the sycophantic football department held in his thrall drove the decisions to move on Hodge, Mitchell and Jordan Lewis as well as to try to offload Jarryd Roughead while they still had good football in them. Clarkson in love with the idea of his own genius more than they were with the fabric of the team or club.
And fancy saying it was done to benefit the individuals in question, advancing their careers or allowing them to make more money elsewhere. It was disrespectful enough, let alone with the ridiculous spin.
No, it was done to try and bring in big-name recruits who have mostly put in small-time performances. It was done to keep the Hawks in contention. It was done because they overrated the support players. It was done to feed Clarkson’s insatiable ego. It was done as they overrated Clarkson’s ability to turn shit into blow jobs.
And as a consequence it’s deep, dark midnight for Hawthorn.
Tyrone Vickery. Ouch. Tom Scully was anonymous. Chad Wingard not much better if we’re being really honest, a shadow of his Port Adelaide self. Since leaving GWS it has become clear Jon Patton is not a man for the modern game. If you asked Siri to name a collection of uninspiring footballers over the last five years, there’s a chance that many of these would be part of her answer.
Would anyone bet good money on Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt or Dustin Martin playing at another club after their Richmond days are over? Alex Rance is retired as a Tigers player only.
Hawthorn needs to reset and rebound from the decade of decay they have inflicted upon them upon them by Clarkson. A house built on shit when it falls, just leaves a pile of shit. At least they’ve finally got rid of the man who took the dump.
Welcome btw.