Projected Round 0 Squad vs Sydney Swans:
Squad Breakdown:
Though injuries to players like Sam Frost and Calsher Dear, who would otherwise be amongst the starting 23 come Round 0, slightly complicate predicting what the team will look like to start the year, there is no doubt the final lineup will offer a blend between attack and defense that will have the Hawks poised for a deep finals run in season 2025.
A revamped backline headlined by offseason acquisitions Josh Battle and Tom Barrass significantly shores up a point of relative weakness at times last year, as their shared ability to completely lock down their opponent will allow more freedom for our more offensively-minded interceptors like James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw and Karl Amon.
As reported by fans and experts alike, Changkouth Jiath’s stellar performances at training so far this summer have him well-and-truly placed in the starting team, as a return to his 2021 season form, or something even greater, looms large.
As well as this, the addition of Battle and Barrass allows Sam Mitchell to exercise ultimate flexibility, particularly with players such as Josh Weddle (who, based on preseason play, is likely to be found both in attack and defense) and James Sicily (who will have even more freedom to push forward when a point of attacking difference is needed but will likely be utilised majorly in the defense).
The coalroom of the Hawks that was so successfully led by the likes of Will Day and Jai Newcombe remains relatively the same; a nod to the dominance of this brigade throughout 2024, especially as the year wore on.
The predicted addition of Cam Mackenzie as a consistent player after a reportedly eye-catching start to preseason injects some class and precise ball use, which is something sure to also be boosted by an increase in midfield minutes for Connor MacDonald.
Though each line of this squad is sure to elicit extreme excitement amongst Hawks fans, it’s the dynamic forward-50, which is only to be strengthened by the eventual return of Mitch Lewis, that is most thrilling.
Based on preseason reporting and particularly exciting public comments from vice-captain Dylan Moore, the stellar combination of Moore, Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan are threatening to reflect the hopes of fans about the Hawks as a whole and go to another level in 2025.
Additionally, the potential inclusion of Blake Hardwick, who has trained with the forward brigade for majority of the preseason, adds yet another dimension to the attack with his pressure, courage and dead-eye kicking, whilst the leadership, footy IQ and occasional bag of goals Jack Gunston will provide (if 2024 was anything to go by) is sure to be invaluable.
Though the recent back injury to Calsher Dear slightly weakens the potency of the forward-line, there is no doubting that the existing attack can cover his absence, whilst the return of Mitch Lewis, albeit something fans should not expect to happen early in 2025, looms as a significant wildcard.
There is absolutely no doubt that if the 26 year-old is eventually able to regain the luck and form that saw him average 2.4 goals per game in 2023, this already potent forward line becomes deadly.
Finally, emergencies Josh Ward, Finn Maginness, Max Ramsden and Harry Morrison can all consider themselves unlucky to not get an initial look in, and the fact that they would all likely have a stable position in at least half of the other 17 teams is a reflection of Hawthorn’s current depth rather than their individual performance.
