By Alex Suchocki
Gold Coaster, David Halle, is suiting for his third straight grand final for Hawthorn this weekend.
A Coolangatta junior, Hale made his mark at senior level with Broadbeach, making the Queensland U18 team and being drafted by North Melbourne in 2001.
The Kangaroos snagged the agile tall at pick no.7 in that draft and Hale was developed into the first-choice ruckman, also leading the goal kicking, with 37 goals in 2008.
Having experienced a slump in form along with the emergence of Hamish McIntosh, Hale was picked up by Hawthorn in 2010.
Hawthorn’s ability to improve recycled players is top notch, which has seen Hale enjoy a string of durable and reliable seasons.
Early on, he predominately played a forward role in order to stretch oppositions’ defense as well as playing back up to ruckman, Max Bailey.
This year, the Queenslander has taken his game to another level and has played an integral role in the ruck.
He is set for a fiery battle when he comes face-to-face with Canadian rugby convert, Mike Pyke.
Hale’s versatility has been invaluable for the Hawks, with his ability to play as either a stay at home forward or an agile ruckman, which is a real credit to his work ethic.
Expect Hale to churn up the grass inside 50 against the Swans this weekend after having slotted 21 majors the year.
Hale compliments the Hawks’ star-studded forward line of Jaryd Roughead, Luke Breust and Jack Gunston who are all proven multiple goal kickers.
At 201cm, Hale’s best work is usually done in the air but his finest moment came in the dying stages of 2013 finals series, against Geelong ,with a desperate dive from the ruckman stopping the Cats’ momentum.
The Hawks will be hoping the big man can be just as influential in the big dance this weekend.
