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
4. Bobby Hill
With Hawthorn superstar Luke Breust's career nearing the end, a small forward spot could open up in the coming seasons in Sam Mitchell's 22.
Enter Bobby Hill.
Linked with a move away from the Giants at season's end along with a plethora of others, Hill unsuccessfully sought a move in last year's trade period but looks set to get his wish this off-season.
With a move to Collingwood more likely for Hill, Hawthorn should be sniffing around at potentially stealing the small forward out from their noses.
Hill played in the first 11 games for the Giants this year before being tragically diagnosed with testicular cancer, which he successfully underwent surgery to remove.
The 22-year-old is set to return to the field this weekend and will be eager to show off his talents to potential Victorian suitors in the last stage of the season.
An exciting small forward, Hill has struggled to consistently display his immense skills and speed at the Giants, but a move could bring the best out of him in 2023.
With Hill taking a full-time spot in Hawthorn's forward line, it could allow a player like Dylan Moore to push into the midfield more often, where he is currently developing his game.
Being out-of-contract, GWS don't have much power to keep him in the orange and charcoal and rival teams won't need to offer much in trade to secure Hill's services.
Could be an exciting option for Sam Mitchell, and definitely should be a part of internal conversations this trade period.
