3. Defining Period

The Hawks' season will be defined either side of their bye. They meet the Suns the week before the break and then return with a clash against the Swans at the SCG.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: David Swallow of the Suns and Shaun Burgoyne of the Hawks during the 2019 AFL round 22 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on August 18, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

They then go up against arch-rivals Essendon in Round 14, with all three of these games crucial as they come against sides likely to be around the same part of the ladder and battling for much-needed wins. Just where they'll finish will be defined by how they go against teams around them.