Hawkins sets Dogs on Brown
31 March 2006 Herald Sun
Jon Pierik
FOOTSCRAY legend Doug Hawkins has urged the Western Bulldogs to physically and verbally attack former teammate Nathan Brown in his comeback match tonight.
Brown will step out for Richmond at Telstra Dome in his first premiership match since breaking his right leg in Round 10 last year.
Hawkins knows what it's like to return from a career-threatening injury – he had a knee reconstruction when at the peak of his powers in 1986 – and the doubts which can linger until confidence is restored.
"I would be pretty physical with him," Hawkins said.
"I would have someone, if you get a chance, inside the rules, nothing stupid, to test him.
"(Bulldogs full-back) Brian Harris is pretty handy."
Hawkins said the Bulldogs should also try to mentally unsettle Brown, who said this week he still felt pain and soreness in his leg after training.
"I know these days you can't be too open and physical, but geez, there's nothing wrong with being verbal," he said.
"You let a bloke know: `Listen mate, next time you come near the footy . . . your leg is not too good'.
"You put doubt in him. Talk to Dipper (Robert DiPierdomenico) about it, he used to do that to me all the time.
"And the late Darren Millane. They would verbally let you know, and they would give it to you as well.
"I missed footy for 12 months with a knee reconstruction.
"It's a different injury, but I tell you what it does – sport is a confidence thing and there will be a doubt, am I going to come back as good as I was?
"I had a terrible break. For him to be up by Round 1 has been an enormous effort so far, but the question mark is there."
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade yesterday tipped speedy tagger Dale Morris to again start on Brown, but said Jordan McMahon and Ryan Hargrave were options.
Hawkins said the Dogs had to run Brown ragged.
The gifted forward has trained only once a week after a modified pre-season program and has admitted his fitness is below par.
"You've got to run him down," Hawkins said. "I would play someone (on him) like maybe a Hargrave, who can run off him and make him run up and down the ground as well."
Hawkins hopes to be in the Bulldogs' dressingroom pre-match before reverting to his role as a commentator with K-Rock radio.
Brown's return adds more intrigue to what shapes as a spicy clash.
Bulldog powerbrokers and fans have not forgotten the decision of Tigers coach Terry Wallace to quit the club in 2002.
Wallace has been joined at Punt Rd by his former Bulldog lieutenants, Brian Royal and Paul Armstrong, while former Bulldog forward, Patrick Bowden, will make his debut for his new club.
Hawkins said the Dogs' younger and middle-tier players would be scrutinised more closely by opponents this year and how they handled the attention would determine the club's fortunes.
"I think they will make the eight but they need to improve," he said.
Eade said injured ruckman Will Minson (hand) would be given until the last minute to prove his fitness.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,18660285%255E19742,00.html
