PODCAST: BEYOND THE BOUNDARY – APRIL 22
Winless after three rounds for the first time in a decade, Drysdale coach Ben Carmichael isn’t shying away from how important Saturday’s clash with Portarlington.
The Hawks haven’t started a season 0-4 since going winless in 1981, and while that is a long shot to happen in 2026, the odds of a fifth consecutive finals berth would drift if they can’t overcome the Demons in the traditional Anzac Day clash between the clubs.
“0-4 it’s certainly a long way back,” Carmichael conceded.
“We knew going into the start of the season that we had some pretty tough games early, but we’re under no illusion that we need to get moving and start to bank some points.
“It’s going to be a big occasion for us on Saturday.”
The Hawks have lost to premiership challengers Queenscliff and Geelong Amateur, and reigning wooden spooner Ocean Grove in the opening three rounds, leading Ammos and the Grubbers at three-quarter time.
“It just probably comes down to making mistakes at the wrong time,” Carmichael said.
“As we found out in our comp, you make mistakes – and certainly against good sides – they’re going to punish you.
“They’ve been on runs late, and we just haven’t been able to stop them.
“We think we’re still playing some pretty good footy; we just haven’t been able to finish the job at the moment.”
Already impacted by injury to several key players, including captain Mitch McGuire, key defender Luke Preece and youngster Ricky Reid, Drysdale will be forced into at least three changes for Saturday.
Scans have revealed that experienced defender Jackson Paatsch’s shoulder injury from the loss to Ocean Grove includes a fracture, which is likely to need surgery.
James Robbins could miss three games after suffering a delayed concussion, while Jackson Payne is unavailable.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to debut, potentially, three more guys this week,” Carmichael said.
“It’s not ideal, the injuries, but we’re certainly excited to unveil some new guys.”
Carmichael confirmed big man Ben Henderson, who underwent knee surgery in October, is unlikely to be seen in 2026.
“He had surgery on his meniscus, and he’s been battling with it ever since,” Carmichael said.
“He was meant to only miss two weeks of pre-season
“So he tried some other things, and that didn’t work either, so we just had it re-scanned last week, and unfortunately, the surgeon told him that the original surgery had failed.
“So it’s looking like he’s going to have to go back in and figure out whether they cut the meniscus out or if it’s in good enough condition to repair it.”
X: @krockfootball
