James Hawksley

[christicehurst]

http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/clubs/lions/hawksley_profile-c.jpg

Number: 12
Height: 186
Weight: 73
Debut: Rd 11 2008
DOB: 05-02-1989
Recruited from: Peel Thunder (WA)

Introduction
A creative and versatile player hailing from Western Australia, James Hawksley is a medium-sized midfielder who has wonderful foot skills and a great understanding of the game. With senior experience under his belt, he can now expect to push for a more regular senior position.

Background
• Hawksley played most of his junior football with Safety Beach where he won three Best and Fairest awards before moving to Mandurah Centrals after U13s where he won a further two Best and Fairests. He later played with Peel Thunder in the WAFL.

• He was also a skilled cricketer as a junior but decided to pursue a football career as it provided greater opportunities.

• He was an AIS/AFL Academy graduate who represented Western Australia at both the U16 and U18 level where he impressed national scouts.

• He was also a member of the Australian team that took on the Irish in the U17 International Series in Perth and was named among the team’s best players.

• Highly touted prior to the 2006 AFL National Draft, Hawksley was snapped up by the Brisbane Lions with their fourth round selection (Pick No.38 overall).

• Hawksley was allocated the number 12 guernsey which had famously been worn by Brownlow Medallist Jason Akermanis before he was traded to the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2006.

2007
• Like the majority of draftees, the thinly built first-year player began his debut season with the Suncoast Lions where he impressed playing in a variety of roles both on the wing and across half-back.

• He ruptured a tendon in his finger during a training drill midway through the season which forced him to miss the final nine matches of the AFLQ season.
• As he was unable to participate in any training drills due to his hand cast, Hawksley spent time recovering back home with his family in Western Australia.

2008
• After some impressive displays for the Suncoast Lions early in the season, Hawksley earned a call-up for his first senior match in Round 11 against the Fremantle at the Gabba.

• He experienced little game time during his debut performance against the Dockers and was sent back to the Club’s reserves side the following week.

• He returned to the senior team in Round 19 against Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium in Tasmania and showed poise beyond his years playing across half-back.

• He retained his spot for the three consecutive senior matches including an exciting performance against the Western Bulldogs in Round 20 when he collected 17 disposals and took four marks in defence.

• He was omitted for the side’s final match against Sydney at the SCG but finished the season with valuable experience in four senior matches.

2009
• Hawksley started the 2009 season playing with the Lions Reserves side where he remained one of their key players. He played predominantly on the half-back line and his clean skills and cool head under pressure were highlights of his performances.

• He was regularly among the Reserves' best but didn't crack it for a senior game until Round 18 against Collingwood at the MCG. Although the Lions lost heavily to the Magpies, Hawksley's effort was one of few shining lights in an otherwise disappointing outing.

• He became a regular fixture of the senior side and played the final five matches of the home-and-away season.�

• He was unlucky to be omitted from the senior team on the eve of the Finals, but was given a late call-up after Josh Drummond failed to complete a fitness test. He played in both of the Lions' 2009 Finals to take his career games tally to 11.

• He averaged 12.6 disposals across seven matches in 2009 and gained more valuable senior experience.
http://www.lions.com.au/players/playerprofile/jameshawksley/tabid/5189/playerid/15643/category/senior/season/2009/selected/bio/default.aspx

[worbsy]

Hawksley played in the first 11 games for Suncoast last year, averaging 17 disposals, but then he got injured and missed the rest of the year.

Afraid I don't have any more than that about Mr Hawksley, except to say he's listed as a general defender.

[worbsy]

The 'Hawk' is listed as an emergency again this week, so he'll probably get another senior game soon you would think. Good work hawk, but why isn't Proud an emergency as well?

[the_champ33]

That's what I don't understand and presume it's due to the tagger last week

[worbsy]

I reckon it must be because he isn't fully fit. No other reason makes sense. He impacts games much more than the hawk does.

[worbsy]

Expect he might slip into the 22 next week.

[worbsy]

I thought this guy was pretty good. 14 touches, a few tackles. There's worse.

[christicehurst]

He quickly went into my DT because of Shaw. Turned out well and opened up some cash for me.

[kingofkings]

He did a really shit kick in warm up. it went like two metres on the ground and black had to run and pick it up

[brandon]

i thought he played alright

[b_lions16]

i thought he played alright


He played okay but it the team, he's more like a decoration than anything else

[worbsy]

He played okay but it the team, he's more like a decoration than anything else

How about tonight? He was more than a decoration, with 17 possessions. He'll keep his spot for sure.

[worbsy]

I liked the 'Hawk's' game. 17 touches, 74% game time. 65% effectiveness of disposals, but he had some nice one percenters too I thought which helped negate that average use of the ball.

[worbsy]

Dropped this week. He's been alright though. He'll get more games next year.

[Jedstheman]

James Hawksley got a 3.3 rating for the year from inside football.

[worbsy]

Given Hanley got a 4.0, the "Hawk" got ripped off a bit I reckon.

He was okay in his games.

[sportzo]

Given Hanley got a 4.0, the "Hawk" got ripped off a bit I reckon.

He was okay in his games.


yeah we have a very good bunch of youngsters i told u!!!!!!!!!!!!

[worbsy]

Can't complain with his game, he was solid.

[b_lions16]

Gathered some marks and 11 kicks for the game...
Couldn't really spot the resemblence from last year, he's dyed his hair brown and grew alot of facial hair. ;)

[lions_girl_4life]

Lol. I'd never properly looked at him last year so I'd have no idea.

[Jedstheman]

Started slowly against the Sharks a week ago but really got moving after half time when SunnyCoast looked there best

[Balony_pony16]

Best of the youngsters tonight by a mile...I loved his strenght in the hips to shake the tackles...he should keep his spot

[worbsy]

I'd been wanting Hawk to get a game for a long while; we need to see if he can play!

And I think he can. Loved seeing him out there, and he's certainly got a distinct look about him!

[b_lions16]

He looks like Jaxson Barham except he's a Ranga...lol.
Wearing Aka's number...and he looks the goods, IMO. :)

[lions_girl_4life]

Once he gets a bit of experience under his belt he could be a real player.

[lions_girl_4life]

Easy to spot on field but I find it hard to believe he only got eleven touches. He was constantly around the ball. I think the majority of that ball came in the final term

[b_lions16]

THE last time the Brisbane Lions played a finals match, James Hawksley barracked for the other team. However, Hawksley's composed showing in two games for the Lions on the halfback line have made club insiders more confident that their team can make an impact in the promised land of September football.
The West Australian product, a former supporter of Port Adelaide who willed the Power to a win over Brisbane in the 2004 grand final, had to bide his time in 2009 before winning a call-up for the round 17 loss to Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 20-year-old, who chose Australian rules football over cricket, in which he was a West Australian junior squad player, did well against the Magpies and was better in last Saturday's draw with Essendon at the MCG.
Champion Lions midfielder Simon Black said: "He has worked really hard to put some weight on and it's been his attack on the footy that I've really been impressed with. He is using the ball well and showing a lot of poise.
"A lot of our younger players look like they belong out there."
Hawksley played most weekends before his August 1 call-up for the Lions reserves. Last year he played four games in the AFL and 10 games in the QAFL.
"It was a bit challenging but there were things I needed to work on in the QAFL and I was able to earn the chance," he said.
"My goal now is to keep my position in the team, just keep on progressing with putting on some weight."
Hawksley attended Perth's Kent Street School, which has a cricket program that produced Marcus North, Luke Ronchi and Luke Pomersbach.
"At 13 or 14, I wasn't going to pursue football any more," said Hawksley, who was an allrounder specialising in swing bowling.
"When I was 16 and in the AIS Academy for football, it persuaded me (to become an AFL player) – the opportunities." http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/afl/story/0,27046,25920081-5016181,00.html

[lions_girl_4life]

I'm beginning to really like his games

[Balony_pony16]

The Hawks reminds me of Sam Gilbert from the Saints...I hope he continues to develop and turns out like him

[b_lions16]

Not tall enough to be a Sam Gilbert, IMO...But I really like the look of this kid. He reminds me a bit of a Jason Gram minus the speed. ;)

[Balony_pony16]

Not tall enough to be a Sam Gilbert, IMO...But I really like the look of this kid. He reminds me a bit of a Jason Gram minus the speed. ;)

Gilbert 194 cms (92 kg's)
Hawks 187 cms (74 kgs)

Still only 5 cms off him, and is as tall as JMac...He needs alot more weight. I just think his composure and strenght around the hips suits that sweeping role around defensive contests which Gilbert seems to do so well

[b_lions16]

How is that 5cm off?...That's 7cm of...lol.
And his weight is way off Gilbert's 92...
He won't become a Gilbert, IMO...But I won't complain if he does.

[lions_girl_4life]

How is that 5cm off?...That's 7cm of...lol.
And his weight is way off Gilbert's 92...
He won't become a Gilbert, IMO...But I won't complain if he does.
That's what I was thinking

[lion4life]

Really shown stuff last two weeks with his pressure. Didn't really rate him tbh at beginning of year

[Kenyon]

Mark my words, he can play. He puts on another 6-8 kgs he will be a very exciting prospect.

[lions_girl_4life]

Mark my words, he can play. He puts on another 6-8 kgs he will be a very exciting prospect.
Here, here!

[worbsy]

I always wanted him to get games, because he's worked his arse off since coming to the club and basically been a staple in the reserves most weeks without any mention of possible senior games.

So glad he's gotten his chance now, and if he can hold his spot he deserves to stay at the club for now.

Carn the Hawk!

[Jedstheman]

Solid again tonite only knock is he let aker get away for a goal when the game was in the balance in the fourth quart 12 touches but was not bad with his disposal used it well when pressure was on a couple of times.

[lions_girl_4life]

I love how at ease he looks when he has the ball.

[b_lions16]

James Hawksley: Added another seven games in defence to the four he managed last year. Is a development player and Brisbane would be satisfied with his progress. Rating: 5

[Balony_pony16]

James Hawksley: Added another seven games in defence to the four he managed last year. Is a development player and Brisbane would be satisfied with his progress. Rating: 5

I think for a fringe player he did very well. 5 is a good score for him. I liken him to sam gilbert from the saints who is a few more seasons ahead of Hawks in development. When Hawks gets some weight on he will be very very good...expect another solid season in 2010 before his breakout season in 2011

[lions_girl_4life]

I have been impressed by how confident he seems when he has the footy in his hands

[b_lions16]

His kicking skills have been what has impressed me the most this season. His ability to get accurate kicks out when under pressure is just great and will become a regular next year, IMO.

[lions_girl_4life]

I agree. One of the things that I rate very highly is if you can get the footy away in high pressure situations

[Balony_pony16]

His kicking skills have been what has impressed me the most this season. His ability to get accurate kicks out when under pressure is just great and will become a regular next year, IMO.

yeah, his kicking is great and ads some much need skill to the backline...it often seemed when the rest of the team was feeling the heat under pressure hawks was cool as a cucumber

[miloman]

It will be great next year playing further up the feild, he looks good but i dont think playing defence is his go.

[lions_girl_4life]

I can see him as more of a running forward flank or something

[b_lions16]

I can see him as more of a running forward flank or something
Running forward flank?...Please no. He's not that flash a runner and even tho his foot skills are as fine as silk, it wouldn't cut it there and he would become a fringe player. Through midfield or off half-back, IMO.

[lions_girl_4life]

Okay, but he seems confident with the footy and I wouldn't mind another avenue to goal

[Balony_pony16]

Running forward flank?...Please no. He's not that flash a runner and even tho his foot skills are as fine as silk, it wouldn't cut it there and he would become a fringe player. Through midfield or off half-back, IMO.

agree...we need him to become a makie/gilbert sort of a player

[Jedstheman]

http://www.brisbanelionsunited.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=298&stc=1&d=1265079798

[b_lions16]

http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/clubs/lions/hawksley_profile-c.jpg
Name: James Hawksley

Your earliest football memory is: Playing Auskick and not being able to cross the white rope

Best mark you have taken at any level of football: Against Southport in 2008

Where were you on the day you were drafted: At home with the family

First person you called after you were drafted: My grandparents

The hardest part of pre-season training: The skills and conditioning sessions

Favourite training drill: Hot spots drill

The best decision you have made on the football field: To kick it to Daniel Bradshaw in the final quarter of last year’s Elimination Final

If you could play another professional sport, it would be: Cricket

Sports teams you support (non-AFL): WA Warriors

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you: I was born in NSW

What dish would you serve up if you were on MasterChef: Fettuccine Carbonara

Where is the furthest you have been from home: Singapore

Most environmentally conscious teammate: Ryan Harwood - because he didn’t have a license

Teammate most likely to Google his own name: Justin Sherman

Teammate most likely to go into politics after football: Luke Power

What rules you more - your heart or your head: Head

Do you prefer a planned event or an unplanned event: Unplanned

The last concert you went to: Stereo

Your favourite cricketer: Adam Gilchrist

French fries or wedges: Wedges

Speedos or boardshorts: Boardshorts

What’s on your iPod: What isn’t on my iPod?
http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/89359/default.aspx

[Hayley]

http://i48.tinypic.com/71tn2w.png