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
Getting the obvious out the way first, we start with one player who has been heavily linked with a move to the Hawks, Port wingman Karl Amon.
The long-kicking left-footer appears set to depart Alberton in favour of a return to Victoria as an unrestricted free agent this off-season, with Hawthorn reportedly in the box seat to secure his signature.
Amon was named as part of last season's All-Australian squad of 40 after an impressive campaign and, while not quite at the same level, has backed it up with another solid season.
The 26-year-old has featured in all 19 games for the Power in 2022, averaging 23.6 disposals and 5.8 marks a game.
Amon is in his prime years now, and the Hawks will benefit from having an established wingman at the peak of his powers in 2023 should they be successful in their pursuit.
A reported deal worth $650,000 a year over five seasons has been floated as the figures that Amon would join on, meaning they could enjoy many successful seasons with the winger on their side.
The first of two Brisbane youngsters on this list, Lions midfielder/forward Tom Berry could be a useful option for the Hawks in 2023.
The brother of Brisbane regular Jarrod, Tom is on the outer at the Lions, with the 22-year-old playing just three games this year, including one as an unused medi-sub.
A speedy and tough player, Berry could be a cheap option this off-season and will likely seek further opportunity if it arises in the open market.
The Victorian is out of contract this season and has the ability to play in the midfield and the forward line, which could be a useful option for Sam Mitchell's side to have.
There haven't been any official or rumoured links of Berry moving to the Hawks, however, it would be a move that could benefit all parties in 2023.
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.
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.
The second Lions midfielder that appears on the outer, Western Australian youngster Deven Robertson will have rivals enquiring about his services this off-season ahead of next season.
At just 21 years old, Robertson has shown plenty of glimpses at Brisbane as a midfielder that can go forward when needed, despite the overwhelming stacks of talent in those areas of the field.
Robertson has only appeared five times for the Lions this year, including one as medi-sub, and could look for opportunities at rival clubs to add to his 22 career games.
In his five games, Robertson has averaged 10.4 disposals, 2.8 marks and 2.4 tackles and while they aren't outstanding numbers by any means - his talent is evident when you watch him play.
While he could look to move back to his home state, there will be plenty of Victorian sides looking at Robertson as a young, tough midfielder and the Hawks should be one of them.
While they've got plenty of talent in the middle with the likes of Jaeger O'Meara, Tom Mitchell and youngster Josh Ward, Robertson could become a key part of their midfield group and turn into the main man once O'Meara and Mitchell enter their final years.
Another that doesn't have much substance given the lack of official links to the Hawks, Robertson would be cheap to acquire and if he does depart from Brisbane, could be one of the pickups of 2023 once he gets regular opportunities.