The solutions to Hawthorn’s defensive selection squeeze

No other team has the lofty expectations Hawthorn does heading into 2025.

An unlikely finals berth that fell just one kick short of a preliminary final appearance, Hawthorn exceeded all projections for 2024, and then some. Now, however, the brash Hawks will have the greatest weight of expectation in the league, as their exciting brand of football that took the AFL world by storm is expected to deliver again.

And to boot, with the signings of Josh Battle and Tom Barrass, the weight of expectations got a whole lot heavier. After securing the two defenders' talents, Hawthorn's list of backmen may now be the strongest in the competition.

James Sicily headlines the bunch, with the Hawthorn skipper a general in defence, utilising his leadership to set up his side's positioning. His intercept game is one of the league's best too, and his pinpoint, penetrating punts are as skilful as they come.

Jack Scrimshaw's improvement was rapid in 2024, becoming a spoiling force across 24 games this year, whilst Blake Hardwick continued his consistency that he has demonstrated year after year.

Jarman Impey and Karl Amon add pace and more silky ball users to the back six, as did Massimo D'Ambrosio who earned a nomination to the All-Australian squad. If we're talking about pace, Josh Weddle is impossible to avoid mentioning, with the second-year dasher able to break lines with his sprinting bursts.

Then from a key positional perspective, Sam Frost comes into the mix, as does James Blanck who is nearing the end of an ACL recovery. Emerging prospect Jai Serong remains a selection watch, as he came into the side to fill Frost's role in the semi-final.

Then add in the fresh signings. Barrass should immediately become a mainstay in defence, whilst Battle will be efficient in a third-man-up role. Both elite decision-makers and efficient kicks, their talent will be vital in a Sam Mitchell system that relies on accurate ball use from the backline.

The issue is, only six of these players can hold their spot in defence. Whilst all of their abilities warrant selection, unfortunately some will be moved into other positions, or even out of the side. With aspirations for a deep September run in 2025, Mitchell will be trying all possible rotations to ensure the best back six is formed.

Here are the solutions to solve how Hawthorn's back six could look:

Solution #1: Hardwick to the forward line

Moving Hardwick into the forward line will be the easiest decision to make initially. Hardwick trained in last year's pre-season as a forward as Mitchell aimed to give the 27-year-old a positional switch. However, as Hawthorn's backline stocks were crushed with injury concerns, Hardwick spent the majority of 2024 in his regular back pocket position.

Hardwick's forward potential is evident though. A four-goal haul against Collingwood nearly created a stunning comeback victory in Gather Round, whilst he kicked a five-goal bag against Port Adelaide in Round 10, four of which were in the first quarter.

With this opening, Battle can move into Hardwick's former slot.

Solution #2: Barrass to fullback

Barrass should line up next to Battle in the fullback position. Barrass has incredible intercepting prowess, averaging 7.7 intercept possessions per game in 2024, as well as 7.2 spoils. Barrass will take some of the load off of Sicily's shoulders, likely taking the opposition's best player, which will allow Sicily more freedom to roam, intercept and increase his possession figures.

Scrimshaw can take the next back pocket position, as his dependable efforts each week were instrumental in Hawthorn's turn of the tide after Round 7.

Solution #3: Sicily must remain at half-back

Whilst it has been argued that the Hawks captain should move into the forward line, it shouldn't be on a permanent basis. Sicily acts as a point of difference when needed in tight contests, as seen with his goal-sneak ability in the semi-final and Round 8 against the Bulldogs.

However, his influence with his ball use and leadership down back is crucial to Hawthorn's success. In the Hawks' 2023 upset win over the Magpies, Sicily was pivotal with 37 disposals and 11 intercept possessions, highlighting the importance of his possession.

In an undermanned defence this year, Sicily was not afforded the freedom he'd had previously, hence his underwhelming start to the season. With Barrass to help shoulder the load in 2025 though, Sicily may have the ability to roam and rack up his disposal count, increasing his offensive influence on the game by initiating counterattacks.

Solution #4: Rotate Impey, Amon and D'Ambrosio through the wing

On the half-back flanks, Impey, Amon, and D'Ambrosio can be interchangeable. The two former Power players can be utilised in similar roles, with both spending time on the wing on occasions in 2024. Impey can provide pace off the backline when needed, whilst Amon can be a poised ball user.

D'Ambrosio can take the other half-back flank or also rotate through the wing - although his All-Australian nomination came following strong outings in defence. D'Ambrosio is, again, another accurate kick for Hawthorn, whose disposal propels the brown and gold's attacks into motion.

So what happens to the remaining quartet? Should Hawthorn undertake this approach, Weddle, Frost, Blanck, and Serong are left in limbo. However, for Hawthorn's 2023 Most Promising Player, a position remains viable.

Solution #5: Weddle to the wing

Whilst Weddle adds vital run and carry from halfback, he can be caught out defensively. The 20-year-old has been thrown around the ground as he continues to develop at AFL level though, with games on the wing often leading to shots on goal from the lightning-fast tall. With the strongest aerobic tank in the team, winning back-to-back 2km time trials in the pre-season, Weddle will no doubt have the work-rate to run both ways, providing a presence down back, or a spark up forward.

Unfortunately for Frost, he is set to be squeezed into the VFL side. It will be a tough call for Mitchell to make, given Frost's career-best season in 2024, but the influx of key position players leaves Frost on the fringe. He will be a shoo-in should a defender be suspended or injured in 2025 though, and will remain a crucial veteran leader to Hawthorn's emerging young list.

Blanck too will be on the fringe, although it is likely he would have bided his time in the VFL to begin the season as he returns from his ACL injury. Serong also remains on the cusp of selection, but as a 21-year-old, he has time to develop, and will likely be making his case for an AFL opportunity each week.

Projected Hawthorn Back Six:

FB: Josh Battle, Tom Barrass, Jack Scrimshaw

HB: Karl Amon/Jarman Impey, James Sicily, Massimo D'Ambrosio

Excluded defenders: Josh Weddle - wing; Sam Frost - VFL; James Blanck - VFL; Jai Serong - VFL