Hawthorn has won five out of its last six games in the VAFA

Just like its AFL counterparts, the VAFA’s Hawthorn is making an unlikely finals push. It’s all come from the move of a “stable” defender in a season where the Hawks have created club history.

Hawthorn are on a strong run of form. Photo: VAFA/Dennis Timm.

There’s something about the Hawthorn name right now.

The AFL Hawks are flying to make an unexpected push for the finals and it’s no different for their VAFA counterparts.

The VAFA side, based at Rathmines Road Reserve, have won four of their last five matches to storm right back into Division 2 finals contention.

Mark Murray’s Hawks sit a game-and-half behind Elsternwick, who they overcome on the weekend, in the race for the top-four.

“It’s been hard to be consistent,” Murray said.

“We’ve had a string of injuries, like so many other sides, we made eight changes for the game on the weekend. We believe we’re good enough, we just need to keep winning games from here.”
Hawthorn believes it is performing its own expectations this season by even being in the mix for finals footy.

There was some “apprehension” after last season’s promotion given the recent history in the division.

When the Hawks were last in the division back in 2019 they finished last with one win, two years earlier they went winless.

Both seasons ended in immediate relegation.

“One win in our Division 2 history is what we were facing,” Murray said.

“It’s been a massive adjustment but we’ve continued to find a way.

“We’re just a small club in Hawthorn surrounded by the big private schools, we’re doing our best.”

Hawthorn is on the edge of finals. Photo: VAFA Media/Dennis Timm.

Hawthorn’s form hasn’t come without its challenges.

Their ruck stocks have taken a hit with the two first choice big men sidelined for the rest of the season, injuries which have resulted in a forward line restructure.

“Stable” fullback Eamonn Avery has been thrown forward in recent weeks and showed off his class with six goals against Elsternwick.

“He’s just a competitor, I wish I had two of him,” Murray said.

“I don’t think he was quite expecting the move. The goals are good but he probably lays eight tackles a game.”

Others to catch the eye in recent weeks include Justin Raiti (Hawthorn’s leading goalkicker), captain Charlie Boots, Ethan McLaren, Will Fleming and Ethan Harvey-Cleary.

“It’s starting to click,” Murray said.

Murray also credits his side’s form for a great club culture which has been shown by the senior women’s team.

When they’ve finished their own games, they are often come to help be the runner, water, goal umpire or boundary umpire.

“The women’s team has been huge,” he said.

“The stuff they do for us can’t be underestimated.”

Hawthorn takes on Wattle Park on Saturday.