Why run-and-gun Hawks can snap 14-year AFL Townsville drought, says coach Keegan Vickers

The Hawks midfielder and team captain will be the team’s fifth head in five seasons but believes the pieces are finally in place to snap the club’s 14-year premiership hoodoo.

Outgoing coach Rick Bean dropped a hand grenade on the Hawks on his way out the door, sensationally lashing out at Townsville’s wider AFL community in a Bulletin interview that mortified both club and district officials.

But Vickers said Bean’s true legacy at University would be the installation of the game plan that would lead the Hawks back to greatness, he hoped as soon as 2024.

“It’s been a while (since the 2009 premiership) but I think the club is really coming together,” Vickers said.

“I think we are in the best spot we’ve been in for multiple years leading up to the season.

“We are planning on building a lot from what Rick and former coaches had done, which has given us a strong base to work off.”

Bean’s run-and-gun style carried the Hawks into the finals only to be bundled out by Curra in the first round.

Vickers said self-doubt had held University back from completing Bean’s vision of total attacking football but vowed more trust within the team would help players break through to contend for the flag.

“With the past couple of years we’re really poised to take the next leap in our footy,” Vickers said.

“Last season we held back a bit when we just needed to push forward and be more attacking, so that will definitely come into it more. We want to play fast-paced and not be afraid to take chances.

“It’s been building for a while and I think the boys are keen to start showcasing our best footy.

“Last season we were there at every half then just couldn’t finish out our games. I think with the extra fitness we’ve built this pre-season and the extra trust we put in each other to make the right decisions, I think we’re going to start really taking out some games and putting shock on some faces.”

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Vickers will continue on as a player-coach and has enlisted quality senior assistants in Pat Dempsey and Matt Ward to manage the whiteboard while he is on the field.

A host of new recruits from interstate and from the university have added depth, with a squad of 36 players regularly attending training.

An intra-club match this weekend will be the first step towards the season before a practice match with Hermit Park in a fortnight.

Originally published as Why run-and-gun Hawks can snap 14-year AFL Townsville drought, says coach Keegan Vickers