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.
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.
Will Day headlines the midfield for Hawthorn, with his influence a key factor in the Hawks' midseason turnaround.
James Worpel has continued his return to form after an underwhelming year in 2022, and pairs seamlessly with fellow contested bull Jai Newcombe, who is anticipated to challenge for a maiden All-Australian blazer in 2025.
Conor Nash has become an underrated weapon for the Hawks, with his newfound ability under Mitchell to accumulate disposals but also be an influential tagger when required.
Ward and Mackenzie are on the fringe, although they have the talent to hold a spot when an opening presents itself. Ward managed 12 games last year, while Mackenzie remained at the top flight for 20 matches. Finn Maginness is another fringe option for his tagging ability and football IQ.
The wing presents another intriguing conundrum for the Hawks. D'Ambrosio is the obvious selection, but Weddle, Amon, Impey and Harry Morrison all have the right skillset for the position. Changkuoth Jiath could play the wing too with his pace and ability to break lines.
In the ruck, Lloyd Meek seems to have cleared Ned Reeves as first choice after a breakout 2024, with Reeves unlikely to play in the same side unless Hawthorn's talls are depleted.
All-Australian Dylan Moore kicks off the forward six at Hawthorn after a phenomenal season in 2024. The other smalls are likely to be the antagonising trio of Jack Ginnivan, Connor Macdonald and Nick Watson.
For the key forward pairing, it will be interesting to see who makes way when Mitch Lewis returns, who is regarded as Hawthorn's current best key forward. Either Dear or Mabior Chol will be cruelly dropped, or perhaps Jack Gunston could sit out and assist in developing Jasper Scaife and Max Ramsden in the VFL.
Luke Breust was utilised as the sub more often than not in 2024, but he could also start if the Hawks are aiming to play small inside 50. Hardwick too could move inside the forward 50 for that role.
Likewise to the midfield and defence, magnets will undoubtedly be moved on the whiteboard early in the year as Mitchell attempts to land on a winning formula.
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