IN a new approach to the AFL Women\u2019s end of season reviews, Rookie Me Central casts both a glass half full and half empty lens over each side\u2019s campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next under the microscope is Hawthorn, who had a better debut season than many people expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Bec Goddard<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Much like Scott Gowans<\/em><\/strong> at the Swans, the Hawks scored a win even before they took to the field by confirming Bec Goddard<\/em><\/strong> as their inaugural coach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She is a master coach, and has the right experience to propel this group forward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Her coaching saw the side win three on the trot, which is much better than many expected, and is a great foundation heading into 2023 and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Exciting young yalent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The bedrock of Hawthorn’s side this year and moving forward is its young stars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The likes of Jasmine Fleming<\/a>, Sophie Locke<\/a>, Lucy Wales<\/a> and Tahlia Fellows<\/a> all had stellar seasons, and are all 22 and under, so have quite a long way to go. Teenagers Charlotte Baskaran<\/a> and Mackenzie Eardley<\/a> joined Fleming as justifying their early selections in the 2022 AFL Women’s Draft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Number #1 Victorian pick<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although they may have only finished 15th, three non-Victorian teams finished below them which means they get that prized number one Victorian pick, which is arguably more valuable than the first selection overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although they have to select a mature-age footballer<\/a>, they get first look at the pool before nine other clubs, which is very handy in a restricted group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Goddard\u2019s mature-age draft knowledge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of the draft, Goddard’s draft knowledge is going to come in extra handy this year, but is always a valuable tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Having spent several years coaching the Hawks in the VFLW, Goddard has coached and coached against much of the talent that will be vying for that coveted number one pick, so she has an advantage because she knows these players and how they might fit into the current Hawthorn team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Experienced players unavailable<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As much as the likes of Fleming, Locke, Aine McDonagh<\/a> and the rest of Hawthorn’s younger brigade performed well this season, the same cannot be said for all of Hawthorn’s more experienced campaigners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Tilly Lucas-Rodd<\/a> had a good year, Sarah Perkins<\/a> and Kate McCarthy<\/a> were seldom selected, while Tamara Luke<\/a> and Louise Stephenson<\/a> both spent the majority of the season out injured. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nGLASS HALF EMPTY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n