With the constant need for list changes in the AFL and with changes to coaching panels and game structure, it isn’t always the most ideal environment for a player to be able to consistently perform at the highest level.
With Sam Mitchell having set up a tremendous club culture where players are embraced for what they bring to the club and allowed to be themselves, the environment at Bunjil Bagora has seen many new faces relishing a second, or even third, chance at AFL football where they can let their strengths do the talking.
Over the past two years the Hawks have looked to add players from other teams who could not only fill a void on the list but who also had quality strengths that could be harnessed.
Under the watchful eye of head coach Sam Mitchell, head of list management Mark McKenzie and his team have found some absolute steals who are helping power up Hawthorn’s charge to their first final series since 2018.
Here are four players who were discarded by their previous clubs who have grown immensely through the culture that has been incorporated by Sam Mitchell at Hawthorn.
Lloyd Meek
Stuck behind Sean Darcy, and with Premiership ruckman Luke Jackson on his way to the Dockers, Lloyd Meek was looking for options. Hawthorn had the intel on Meek from midfield coach David Hale, who had coached him at the Dockers.
With Hale’s ringing endorsement, the club brought Meeky across as part of the trade for the then Hawthorn Vice Captain in Jaeger O’Meara.
Despite failing to cement his spot in the side last year, contesting with an in form Ned Reeves, Meek starred in the VFL. His fantastic form at Box Hill at the start of the 2024 season gave him the opportunity to replace Reeves, who had been struggling to adapt to the new ruck rule.
Mitchell rang Meeky in the lead up to round three and told him that he would be starting in the seniors, giving him the confidence that he had the backing and support of the coach.
Since Round three, Lloyd has put his best foot forward, using his hulking frame to dominate around the ground and giving the midfielders first chance with the ball.
He is currently rated above average for hitouts to advantage, score involvements and goal assists and is in career best form.
Massimo D’Ambrosio
Hawthorn had a shine for Massimo D’Ambrosio at the AFL mid season draft in 2022 but he was unfortunately already off the board when it was time for the Hawks selection, with long time rival Essendon beating them to the punch.
While at Windy Hill, Mass was never given the opportunity to prosper and shine, as he was regularly used as a sub, or being subbed off.
After being courted by Hawthorn in the trade period, where he arrived for a fourth round pick, the Point Cook Precisionist has been embraced by his new club, where his long raking left foot and footy intellect has come to the party.
Massimo is currently rated as elite for intercepts and rebound 50’s, where he has been using his zest for defence and his high work rate to not only impact contests but to help transition our attack.
Earlier in the season he was rated as the best winger in the AFL this season by Champion Data.
Being picked as a first choice winger after one pre season at Hawthorn, Mass has shown what can happen to a player when they feel at home and feel comfortable in their surroundings.
Mabior Chol
Speaking of being comfortable in their surroundings, Mabior Chol has become a smash hit for the Hawks in Season 2024.
Arriving to his third club at the age of 26 would have been a daunting task, but the culture within the footy club has seen Marbs flourish and become a consistent performer, which has been a big focus of his this year.
Mabior has stated that he feels at home at the Hawks and that the coaches understand who he is as a person, which is benefiting him on the park. This season Marbs has been a prominent feature in attack for the Hawks, but his defensive efforts have shown brightly.
He is rated as elite for total tackles inside 50 per game and is the only key position player inside the top ten.
Often maligned for his laid back demeanor, Mabior has been embraced by Sam Mitchell and the football club and is now repaying the faith in spades.
Jack Ginnivan
Coming across as a Premiership player at the age of 21, Ginnivan has often polarised.
Fans either love him or hate him.
After meeting with Mitchell, who gave him the pitch for Hawthorn’s grand plans, Ginnivan was sold and embraced a culture where players could be themselves and enjoy their football.
After the Hawks win against the Pies in Round 19, Ginnivan stated that he just wanted to enjoy playing football with his mates and that was what he was currently doing at Hawthorn.
Where Collingwood demanded rigidity in its structure, Hawthorn’s culture allows its players to be themselves and flourish.
On field, Ginnivan’s form is shining brighter than the sun, with his disposals and score involvements both being ranked elite for a small forward.
As seen by the kissing of his guernsey after booting a goal last weekend, it is clear to see Ginni has bought into the culture that Sam Mitchell has set up, as fans we are reaping the reward of a happy team environment.
With players seeing what a new environment can do to rejuvenate and reinvigorate their footballing journey through the Hawks thriving discards, it will be a fascinating watch to see who the list management team is able to bring through the doors at Bunjil Bagora this year in the trade period to be welcomed into the tremendous culture that Hawthorn is building.
