/ (min cost $ 0 ) or signup to continue reading After eight rounds the same top-four as last season in Chiltern, Kiewa-Sandy Creek, Yackandandah and Beechworth have emerged as the four genuine flag threats. But unlike last year when the Hawks were a red-hot flag favourite, any one of the quartet could win the premiership this year without surprising. Who misses out on a top-three finish and the coveted double chance will be a fascinating watch over the remaining 10 rounds.
Without a doubt Beechworth who has silenced the doomsayers in spectacular fashion. The Bushrangers lost a lot of experience over the off-season which had most league followers predicting the club to miss finals. But somebody forgot to tell coach Tom Cartledge who has rejuvenated the list with the Bushrangers younger players like Degan Dolny, Brad Fendyk and Finn Jakobsson instrumental in their 7-1 start to the season.
Kiewa-Sandy Creek who has played off in four of the past five grand finals is in unfamiliar territory, sitting fourth on the ladder albeit with a 6-2 record. But the Hawks have been a bit like a V8 engine operating on two cylinders so far this season for reasons beyond their control. The midfield has been decimated with injuries to best and fairest winner Jack Haugen and Josh Hicks while Jacob Barber is yet to play.
Star forwards Mitch Paton and Jamie Paul are also yet to play together this season. But coach Zac Fulford has still got plenty of time up his sleeve to have the Hawks machine purri.