If every AFL team could steal one player: Hawthorn Hawks

A young Cat, star Tiger, rising Swan and Power forward make up the Hawks’ wish list.

EDITOR | December 23, 2022 - 12:10pm

14510

The Hawks were happy to clear out top-rated talent this off-season to further turn their attention toward youth and development.

The likes of Tom Mitchell, Jack Gunston and Jaeger O'Meara all departed for rival clubs ahead of the 2023 season, giving Sam Mitchell the ability to attack the draft and further trade avenues to bring in players that will be part of their list revamp.

In an ideal world where the Hawks would be able to 'steal' any rival player, look at the talent that the brown and gold club would most want on their list amid their rebuild.

This exercise assesses each AFL team's list needs and names four players that club could steal if contracts and salary caps weren't a factor.

List needs

Youth. The Hawks have made it clear they're starting from scratch under Sam Mitchell, and while plenty of their premiership puzzle pieces are already part of their 2023 list, a few more additions will help them on their way back up the ladder for the years ahead.

Searching through the league's most promising players, we then need to divide any enticing target to a particular void in Mitchell's squad, with several positions likely to be of interest.

An athletic forward in the frame of Jack Gunston would be toward the top of the Hawks' wish list, with a partner for Mitch Lewis sure to be a welcome addition if they were to find the perfect player.

Another area in the Hawks' forward half would be on the flank, with a half-forward threat that can rotate through the midfield another area the Hawks could place some attention toward.

Mitchell Lewis during the AFL match between Hawthorn and St Kilda in Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Their inside midfield ensemble for the future looks to be cemented, with Jai Newcombe set to lead the charge while his deputies in Josh Ward, Cameron Mackenzie, Henry Hustwaite and Cooper Stephens also look to strut their stuff.

But perhaps a wingman that can slot onto the outskirts of this burgeoning midfield group might be where the Hawks look next.

Below we name four targets Hawthorn would love to 'steal', and name the one player that would top their list.

Back Next

4. Errol Gulden

Gulden has quickly emerged as one of the more versatile young stars of the competition, able to play through the middle, on the wing or as a roving forward that can quickly impact the scoreboard.

After a stellar maiden season in the AFL, the energetic Swan again showed plenty of poise in the top flight this year to be among Sydney's best throughout their grand final campaign.

With the Hawks testing unchartered territory with their rebuild, a player that can fill multiple roles and offer a reliable service like Gulden might just be the ideal target the Hawks are after.