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.
4. Best 23
FB: Josh Battle, Tom Barrass, Jack Scrimshaw
HB: Jarman Impey, James Sicily, Karl Amon
C: Josh Weddle, Will Day, Massimo D'Ambrosio
HF: Dylan Moore, Mitch Lewis, Jack Ginnivan
FF: Nick Watson, Mabior Chol, Blake Hardwick
FO: Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, James Worpel
I/C: Cam Mackenzie, Conor Nash, Harry Morrison, Connor Macdonald
SUB: Luke Breust
Others to consider: Calsher Dear, Jack Gunston, Josh Ward, Sam Frost, Sam Butler, Seamus Mitchell, Jai Serong, Changkuoth Jiath, Finn Maginness
