Draft preview: Hawthorn

Kristian - TheCoventryEnd.com

In 2015, Hawthorn completed the magical ‘three-peat’, something that only a handful of clubs have achieved during their time in the VFL/AFL.

And with a still rather young list, they’ll be there or there abouts in 2016, but will still need to recruit well in the 2015 AFL draft.

Losing Hale and Lake to retirement and Anderson with Suckling to trades and free agency, the only return they got in their playing stocks was the defender/forward Jack Fitzpatrick from Melbourne and it will be interesting to see where they look to implement him.

Despite nearly pulling off the coup (or maybe not given revelations) of the trade period in Jake Carlisle, the Hawks also come in with picks 15 and 18, and will be formidable if they pick up two quality top 20 players.

Picks:

15, 18, 48, 76

Likely

Kieran Collins (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)

If not for Weitering, this lad could have been the number 1 key defender up for grabs at this year’s draft.

One of few talents to have been dubbed ‘AFL-ready’ by their assessors, the tall defender keeps a watchful eye on his man, and will be hard to beat.

Despite being pidgeonholed as a 5-15 draftee, the Hawks have made it no hidden desire they’d like to bring the 17 year old in as a like for like replacement for outgoing Brian Lake.

Other likely picks

Ryan Burton, Rhys Mathieson

Wildcard

Riley Bonner (West Adelaide/SA)

Despite being linked with North Melbourne, if they fail to take him at Pick 17, the Hawks may be tempted to take the South Australian at Pick 18.

With a booming left foot, the half-back could also do a job for the Hawks in replacement for Brian Lake

Where does this leave them?

The aim of the game for the Hawks will need to be to secure a key tall, with Lake a huge loss for the defence.

Let’s not undermine his addition to the squad, as in 2013 he joined the side, plugging a gap in the backline that Sydney had taken advantage of a year earlier.

With Lake at the heart of their vanguard, the Hawks have been unstoppable and the 2013 Norm Smith Medallist will be missed.

Should they recruit well, and certain players step up, we may yet see an ‘awesome foursome’, lest at the least a top four finish.