With the 2022 season just over half completed, the bye round offers sides a chance to reflect on their performances so far. The break also affords us the chance to reflect on their campaigns to date.
With Brisbane, Collingwood, Fremantle, Hawthorn, Melbourne and North Melbourne all on the bye this weekend, we examine how they have performed so far.
The gradings factor in pre-season expectations, as well as their form across the opening 13 rounds of this year.
Mid-season AFL report cards: Part 1
Mid-season AFL report cards: Part 2
Hawthorn
Grade: B
W-L Record: 4-9
Percentage: 87.5%
It may seem generous to give the Hawks a 'B' due to their win-loss record, however given the pre-season expectations on them and the way they have played in most games this season, we think it's fair.
Many had the Hawks winning the wooden spoon before the season began, since then they have managed wins against Geelong, Brisbane and Port Adelaide in Adelaide, while also running Carlton, Collingwood and Melbourne close in thrilling contests.
As with all developing teams, these impressive performances have been punctuated by poor losses, notably to the Saints and the Suns, where the Hawks were blown away.
Despite this, the positives outweigh the negatives for them this season. An exciting game plan under a new coach, led by exciting young talents like Jai Newcombe and Mitch Lewis, is thrilling viewing.
Newcombe is shaping as a star of the future, having bolted into the Hawthorn setup via the Mid-Season Draft in 2021, the midfield bull is a chance to win this season's Best & Fairest.
In 2022, he averages 21.5 disposals, 5.2 tackles and 3.7 clearances a game, stats made all the more incredible when you consider he has only just completed his first 12 months in the AFL.
MVP: James Sicily (64 votes)
Best Win: Round 10 vs Brisbane
Worst Loss: Round 11 vs Gold Coast
