Roughead more at ease in front of goal
Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead says he is now a better set shot for goal than this time last year when his inaccuracy nearly helped bundle the Hawks out of the AFL finals.
Roughead's two misses from set shots late in the nail biting elimination final against Adelaide in 2007 nearly cost his side dearly, until Lance Franklin saved the day with the winning goal.
The misses prompted Roughead to work hard on his goalkicking during the off-season, and he has responded in 2008 with 73.51, a strike-rate of 59 per cent accuracy, up from 52 per cent in 2007.
After a return of four goals straight in the preliminary final win over St Kilda last Saturday night, Roughead said he felt more confident booting for goal after beefing up his workload since that final last year.
"Over the pre-season, I worked a fair bit on it with (former teammate) Ben Dixon and David Rath, one of our kicking coaches, and worked out a good routine," Roughead said.
"And I get out there two times a week and practise for half an hour or an hour to keep improving, which is good.
"It's just getting a routine down pat and working on it and practising - that's the best way for it."
Roughead's contribution has him fourth on the list of goal kickers across the league in 2008, behind only Franklin (111), Carlton's Brendan Fevola (99) and Brisbane's Daniel Bradshaw (75).
But he has not attracted nearly any of the fanfare of those three, given Franklin's megastar status has meant the left-footer from Leongatha in country Victoria has enjoyed a largely low-profile season.
"Buddy (Franklin) is a great player and for the next 10 years he'll cop what (attention) he cops," Roughead said.
"So I'm happy to go under the radar and do what I have to do week in, week out, which is good."
Roughead, Franklin and Mark Williams, who has booted 43 goals this campaign, form a potent triumvirate in Hawthorn's attack, and one with flexibility also.
All three forwards can play close to goal or be effective when the major target, such as Williams proved when he kicked five goals against the Saints last weekend.
"It's good variety to have down there with `Junior' (Cyril) Rioli there as well," Williams said.
"So if someone doesn't get a kick one week, someone else will."
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