Hawthorn fans could forgive their club if they whittled away at the bottom of the ladder for some time, given their recent-ish premiership success.
The three-peat is still front of mind for most brown and gold supporters, but this new wave of Hawks have their own agendas in mind.
Picking themselves up off the canvas after a 0-5 start, Sam Mitchell's men have more than revived their season, locking themselves a spot in the semi-finals after a stirring 37-point on Friday night against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.
It's been eight long years since a finals appearance for Hawthorn, and the 2015 Grand Final was their most recent victory in September.
Ironically, despite being starved by finals action, Friday's team only had 11 players who had yet to step onto the big stage but were not overawed by the occasion.
And Mitchell thinks that could be the secret ingredient.
"I wonder if it's the naivetรฉ of youth. I wonder if they just don't know it's a big deal, they don't know any different. They are just enjoying their footy and playing with a high amount of energy," Mitchell said.
Pick 5 in last year's draft, Nick Watson has been the poster boy for the rampaging Hawks and didn't disappoint, kicking four goals and setting up another.
Diamond-in-the-rough Calsher Dear slotted 3.4 but could've had more if he kicked straight, while 2021 Mid-Season recruit Jai Newcombe was arguably best afield against one of the competition's best midfield groups.
The brash and irresistible Hawthorn outfit has had plenty of admirers throughout 2024, but there's a feeling that they are not done with yet.
The celebrations, the fanfare, the healthy arrogance. All traits from Hawthorn of yesteryear.
The 2008 premiership flag, ironically led by Mitchell, was the calm before the most perfect storm for Hawthorn fans.
Against all odds, with a vibrant and youthful side, they defeated Geelong in arguably one of the biggest upsets in recent times.
And it led to the club's greatest era in its history.
Could a sense of deja vu be upon us?
