In a year mainly focused on development, Hawthorn has surprised many in 2022 under new coach and club great Sam Mitchell.
There has been plenty to like about this Hawks side despite sitting in 13th, with the rise of Mitch Lewis and Dylan Moore particular highlights, while the sensational return of James Sicily in defence has put him in All-Australian conversations.
They are a young, exciting team that is destined to go places in years to come should they develop like many are predicting and will have their eye on returning to the finals yet again in 2023.
It seems the approach at Waverley Park is to focus on youth within the team, which has heavily influenced who was picked in these five spots.
While they'll have plenty of players in mind, the Hawks would also be pretty keen to target other clubs' draft equity to continue blooding hidden gems in coming seasons.
Back to the list, and in no particular order, here are five players the Hawks could target this off-season heading into 2023.
TRADE TARGETS: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GWS
3. Sam Sturtย
Another out-of-contract Victorian that could be available come season's end, Fremantle forward Sam Sturt could be a good, young forward line option for the Hawks.
The 190cm versatile forward hasn't featured at AFL level this year and has only played four times for the Dockers since being drafted with the 17th pick of the 2018 National Draft.
The 22-year-old has suffered plenty of setbacks early in his career, including multiple concussions among other injuries and could look for a fresh start.
There are no public talks of a new deal set to be signed meaning Sturt could depart from Fremantle.
A highly-skilled player who knows where the goals are, a return home and a change of scenery could be beneficial for Sturt in a bid to return to AFL level.
Should Hawks veteran Jack Gunston stay for another year or so, Sturt could learn from the 30-year-old as he looks to improve his forward craft and potentially become a key part of the Hawthorn forward line.
The Dandenong Stingrays product oozes x-factor and was considered the bolter of his draft year and it would be smart to take his talents elsewhere for further opportunity.
