Hawthorn head into 2025 aiming to prove their fairytale 2024 season wasn't a flash in the pan.
After falling one kick shy of a preliminary final, the Hawks have made off-season acquisitions that could be the additional boost required for a deeper September charge this year.
Hawthorn signed Saint Josh Battle through free agency as well as trading for Eagle Tom Barrass, two reputable defenders that create a selection squeeze for Sam Mitchell. It means the Hawks could experiment with a few players' flexibility in 2025 as they work out how to fit their most talented troops across all three lines of the field.
Mitchell Lewis will also be aiming to return mid-year, whilst Calsher Dear's timeline is currently unclear but he will too make his case to re-enter the side. Youngsters Josh Ward, Cameron Mackenzie, Sam Butler, and Seamus Mitchell will be pushing to squeeze inside the line-up as well.
It's a tricky selection call across all three lines of the field, so we've assessed Hawthorn's squad ahead of the 2025 season and determined what the best 23-man side will be for a healthy Hawks team.
Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, except for those expected to miss most or all of the season through injury or suspension.
1. Defenders
Battle and Barrass should be instant additions to backline, but the question is who makes way?
Sam Frost could be forced out of the side despite having a career-best year in 2024, while a move forward for James Sicily and Blake Hardwick have also been raised. However, the Hawks skipper is a general in defence and one of the league's best intercept marks.
Jack Scrimshaw is more than likely to hold his spot, while Karl Amon, Jarman Impey and Josh Weddle all have potential to move up onto the wing.
Massimo D'Ambrosio too spent time on the halfback flank in 2024, but his best moments did albeit come from the wing.
Jai Serong could also make his case with a strong pre-season, as could Seamus Mitchell and James Blanck following his ACL recovery.
Nonetheless, it is a stacked crop of talent for Hawthorn to deliberate on, and we will no doubt see adjustments throughout the season.
