Hawthorn will be without a top seven selection for the first time in five years when they reach this year's AFL Draft, with an aggressive trade and free agency approach seeing them steer towards premiership contention and away from a list rebuild.
The Hawks' suite of 2024 selections is one of the smallest in the league, with their first of three picks making up 563 of their 592 draft points.
With young stars brimming at Bunjil Bagora, the Hawks aren't in need of top emerging talent like they once were under Sam Mitchell, who has a list that is sure to contend for the premiership again in 2025.
Set to undergo a new approach at the draft this year, here's how Hawthorn's plans could unfold at this month's count...
Draft Hand
Picks:ย 33, 71, 77
The Hawks are one of two clubs with less than 600 draft points to their hand following a busy trade period which has left them without a selection until midway through the second round of the draft.
Their following pick doesn't fall until the second half of the fourth round, while their last pick is the penultimate selection in the queue. However, both of these picks are expected to advance their place in the order following a number of bids on Academy and father-son prospects.
The Hawks are in a position to strengthen their 2024 draft hand via live trading given they hold Carlton's first and second round selections for the 2025 intake. Whether they choose to trade into this year's haul is unclear though.
List Needs
Key Forward Assets: The Hawks managed to strike gold with the addition of father-son forward Calsher Dear at Pick 56 a year ago, with the high-leaping attacker managing to kick 25 goals from 17 games. But with Jack Gunston likely entering his final year in the brown and gold, coupled with Mitch Lewis' continued luckless run with injury, further tall forward depth might be a desire for the Hawks' recruitment team. We're yet to see what Jasper Scaife can do at the top level, with some more competition for spots always a healthy boost for a side wanting to contend.
Midfield Security:ย The Hawks' top line of onballers is stacked and was an integral part of why Sam Mitchell's side rose up the competition and featured in this year's September series. Looking to the future, with the likes of James Worpel, Cameron Mackenzie, Josh Ward and Finn Maginness all unsigned beyond next season, perhaps some more depth options coming through the ranks could be acquired at the draft.
Ruck Depth:ย The ruck position is far from an instant need for the Hawks, particularly following Lloyd Meek's stellar 2024 campaign, but clubs always need a steady amount of depth and support in their pecking order. Ned Reeves is a solid second string ruckman at Waverley, but behind him is Max Ramsden - who may transition to a more forward role given Meek's reign - and new category B recruit Jaime Uhr-Henry. A ruckman who can step into the queue and potentially be ready in the coming years to put some competition on Meek and others could be an avenue to assess at the draft,
Potential Targets
Kayle Gerreyn:ย A powerful ruck-forward hybrid who looked a cut above at the WAFL Colts level this year given his marking and athleticism. Gerreyn is a tantalising ruck-forward prospect who could fill a need for the Hawks in the long haul, potentially as a successor to tall attacker Mabior Chol. Gerreyn averaged 12.5 disposals, 3.8 marks, 9.0 hitouts, 6.5 score involvements and 1.3 goals per game at the National Championships this year for WA and would also suit up for West Perth's seniors' side on a pair of occasions. Gerreyn's father Chris was listed with the Hawks in the 1990s but did not play a game at the top level.
Charlie West:ย A different type of key forward to Gerreyn, with West a quick and agile attacker whose versatility is best used in defence - where he too can flex his aerial dominance - instead of the ruck position. West could blossom as a full-time forward given the Hawks' position to afford the South Australian time to develop his craft in an AFL system before one day earning a debut. The 194cm forward boasted a time of 2.96 seconds in the 20m sprint at the AFL Draft Combine to finish sixth overall, adding to a promising year that included a pair of appearances for the Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL.
Cody Anderson:ย A midfield bull who is tied to the Hawks as a member of the club's Next Generation Academy, Anderson would add to the Hawks' midfield depth and bring a physical game with him. The Eastern Ranges prospect is a strong inside onballer who uses his size and tackling to leave his mark on the contest at the coalface. Anderson could fetch a rival bid as early as the second round, with Hawthorn likely hoping any external interest comes after their opening pick at the draft. Should the Hawks be unable to match a bid for Anderson, or choose not to, they could look at someone like Geelong's Xavier Ivisic in the back end of the count.
