Hok-print: Hawthorn’s revolutionised recruitment strategy taking the AFL world by storm

If there was a successful blueprint for rebuilding a list, Hawthorn would reign as one of the superior clubs in the AFL.

To the dismay of all 17 clubs in the competition, the brown and gold are well and truly back in vogue and it is just the beginning, famously known as 'Hokball'.

A historic three-peat of premierships a decade ago wasn't long enough for rival fans before Sam Mitchell, and now the coach of the Hawks has them contending once again.

But how have they done it?

Every club has their method, their perspective, their modus operandi.

For Hawthorn in the Alastair Clarkson era, it was once known as 'Hawk-print', the term used to focus heavily on initially hitting the draft and then strategically trading in ready-made players and maximising free agency once the premiership window was opened.

It also included offloading high-end selections to remain on the path to success.

But since 2022, when Mitchell took over, it can now be deemed as 'Hok-print'.

A revolutionised list-rebuilding model to overcome the challenges of modern-day football, which is largely similar to its antecedent.

Hawthorn's stoic rise from 0-5 last year to three points shy of a preliminary final berth has turned the once dwindling AFL side quickly into a destination club once again.

The acquisition of players in Mabior Chol, Jack Ginnivan, Massimo D'Ambrosio and the returning Jack Gunston was to complement the emerging list, but was mainly in anticipation of targeting A-grade players 12 months later.

The quartet was coined the term 'win-builders', finding niche and yet significant roles in ensuring the Hawks' rise.

Once established as a contender again, Mitchell and his recruiting team got to work, landing the likes of Josh Battle and Tom Barras, while giving up on the hunt of Bailey Smith to guarantee the addition of the defenders.

But they haven't stopped there.

West Coast wunderkind Harley Reid is reportedly in the sights of the Hawks, who are considering tabling "a gigantic deal" to the former Pick 1 selection.

Reid's teammate and captain Oscar Allen also has a decision to make on his future, and is believed to be targeted by the Victorian powerhouse.

"It's really starting to pick up," Hawthorn defender Jack Scrimshaw told Zero Hanger.

"A lot of players are looking at being attracted to coming to a club like Hawthorn which is the environment we want to create.

"We want other players to come play for us. But over the journey, the recruiting strategy has been quite bold with looking more in trade and free agency, but we've had a few good draft picks as well.

"They're (recruitment team) doing a great job at trying to attract players."

A big part of that recruitment strategy is the club's utilisation of Mitchell, and in some instances, his wife.

The 2012 Brownlow medallist made no secret of his involvement in the club's pursuit of improving its list and the pitch made to rival players.

Battle, when crossing from St Kilda as a restricted free agent, noted that the influence of Mitchell and his partner Lyndall in his decision-making.

But as we start to see the fruits of Hawthorn's labour, following an impressive 20-point victory over Sydney in Opening Round, the process started long ago.

Mitchell's rise to coaching stardom began in the 12 months he spent in the VFL at Box Hill - after a stint at West Coast following his playing days - developing the next crop of players that would take the club he played 307 games for back to where they belonged.

Earmarked to replace Clarkson, Mitchell began crafting his game plan that would counter the rigours of AFL football whilst simultaneously finding hidden gems in the depth of the club's list.

Once getting the keys to the car, albeit 12 months earlier than planned, the four-time premiership player started to clean house.

At the end of 2022, after eight wins in his debut season as coach, first-string midfielders Jaeger O'Meara (Fremantle) and Tom Mitchell (Collingwood) were on-traded to contending clubs, as was club great Jack Gunston (Brisbane).

Ben McEvoy and Liam Shiels retired, leaving Luke Breust as the sole premiership player from the glory days.

Another five players were delisted that ultimately helped make room to land Karl Amon, Lloyd Meek, Josh Weddle and Cam Mackenzie.

Pundits believed the Hawks cut too deep, and a 16th-place finish in 2023 following seven wins made the ground beneath Mitchell's feet begin to tremor.

But sticking to the cause, another 10 fringe players found themselves without contracts, while highly-touted selections Nick 'the Wizard' Watson, Will McCabe and Calsher Dear joined the club as the 'win-builders' took their place in the brown and gold.

And more recently, the additions of the two Bs (Battle and Barrass) have sured up the defence.

The bold efforts of Mitchell and the Hawks haven't gone unnoticed by the AFL community, with Essendon coach Brad Scott lauding the "terrific job".

"It feels quick, but it's been a four or five-year process to get to that point," Scott said.

"They would say, I assume, they're still developing and they've got to bridge the gap as well to the best.

"But they've done a terrific job, and all credit to them."

The impact of Battle and Barrass was felt immediately in the club's win against the Swans.

Not only did they lock down key defensive posts, but they allowed Mitchell to play creatively with how he used James Sicily, Josh Weddle and Blake Hardwick, which poses as an important trump card as the weeks roll on.

The narrative surrounding Hawthorn has taken the AFL world by storm. Their intoxicating game play, boisterous style and healthy arrogance make them must-watch TV.

Mitchell's journey started with many doubters after he took charge of the brown and gold. But those in stark contrast of his vision now sit in fear of what the Hawks may achieve.

We saw them in four consecutive grand finals a decade ago. Are they on the same path?