So, I’ll be honest… The first two editions of Fitzy’s Focus were just random thoughts that came to my head; they were my idea. Edition three, however, was suggested to me – I was asked to write about AFLX.

My initial reaction was something like “Oh, well I guess I have to actually watch this thing” (something I hadn’t really planned on doing). I mean, that’s what ‘real’ journos do, right – they watch the sport they cover? Then, after reading the paper, scrolling through social media, and listening to the radio, it became pretty clear that not all of them do! (Lighten up guys, it’s a joke).

Fortunately, all of my mates love their footy, so it wasn’t hard to convince them (especially the mad Hawks fans – g’day Simmo and Shine O) to spend their Friday night watching this brand new concept with me.

We didn’t really know what to expect. A current player told me that he thought it would go one of two ways; it will either be a massive bust, or it will become so big that a breakaway league could form within 10 years for specialist AFLX players. I won’t name that player, but you’ll be able to pick him as the one with splinters in his backside from sitting on the fence!

Seeing Max Bailey named as coach was fantastic; Max is not only extremely knowledgeable about his football, but he’s a true gentleman. I’m sure it’s not the last time we’ll see Coach Max.

Adding further excitement was the squad that Hawthorn picked. There were some familiar names – Gunston, Breust and skipper Liam Shiels to name a few – but also quite a lot of up and coming players! One such player whose name was good to see is Ollie Hanrahan. I would normally elaborate and say something complimentary about him; however, I sent little Ollie a text message not long ago and he didn’t reply. To make matters worse, he has since liked something that I posted to Twitter, so I’m completely off him.

Putting personal vendettas aside and looking to the on field events of Friday night, I must say that it was an encouraging evening! I don’t want to leave anybody out, but I do have a word limit, so can only touch on a couple of things:

Rising youth

The continued improvement from the younger players is something to look forward to. Players such as TO (Tim O’Brien), Sis (James Sicily), Cuzzy (James Cousins), H (Harry Morrison), Dimma (Blake Hardwick) and Burto (Ryan Burton) all showed great signs last year and there’s plenty more to come from them.

Brand new number 32

David Mirra belongs at AFL level. Miz has been excellent for Box Hill for years. Now, Hawthorn has the chance to utilise his toughness, reading of the play and leadership. The Club obviously rates him, giving him the number 32, following in the footsteps of greats of the club like Leigh Matthews and Jack Fitzpatrick. You’re automatically my favourite player, Miz, because this way I don’t have to go and get a jumper with a new number!

Handsome Schoey

Ryan Shoenmakers is darn handsome. That is all.

The Worpedo

Last but by no means least, I have a new man-crush… James Worpel; the hair, the physique and the hardiness. I have never met you, and I don’t know what nickname the boys have got for you, but I have one that I’m determined to get going amongst us supporters – The Worpedo!!

In terms of the concept itself, I have to say – I quite enjoyed it. I know there has been some commentary over the weekend regarding AFLX, but I found it pretty entertaining. It certainly helps that the team you barrack for wins both games, and I don’t care if we are playing marbles – beating Essendon is always excellent. It was standard Hawthorn in that we made (yet another) Grand Final – insert shoulder shrugging emoji here.

For a brief second, I was torn before we played my old club. Actually, I lie – I was always going for the Hawks. It sucked that we lost, but I think we can let the Dees have the 2018 AFLX Grand Final; since their last premiership in 1964, we’ve won 12 (not to mention the many night / preseason successes). Plus, if The Worpedo’s outstanding chase and tackle on Tom McDonald was rewarded, it might have been a different outcome…

That’s it for the AFLX edition of Fitzy’s Focus. I want to make a special note to congratulate our adored captain Jarryd Roughead and his beautiful wife Sarah on the birth of their baby daughter, Philippa Mae. This is without doubt the best news I’ve seen so far in 2018!

As always, feel free to submit your feedback (good or bad), or suggestions on where I can focus my attention next, to either @HawthornFC or @jfitzpatrick_t1 with the hashtag #FitzysFocus