When the Hawks take on the Giants in Launceston this weekend, in what many are dubbing a potential grand final preview in March, a key component of Sam Mitchell's game plan will play just his 50th game in Hawthorn colours.
Speaking ahead of the Hawks' Round 3 clash, Mitchell spoke on flanker Karl Amon's importance to the side.
"He's a bit underrated from the outside world. He's really important for us. Karl's one of the guys that you lean on as a coach," he said.
"You go out at quarter time or half time and talk to him and say what are you seeing?
"In general, he has a really good concept of the game and what can help us. He's very selfless. He doesn't try to set himself up, he's just very team-oriented.
"When you have leaders who are willing to play a role that help the team, and not necessarily themselves, that helps with your coaching on game day."
Amon has started the season off in scintillating form after his own personalised training program in the lead up to Christmas that saw him only running laps of Bunjil Bagora instead of joining in with ball work drills.
Amon won the Hawthorn six-minute time trial after the Christmas break, beating impressive runners at the club, including Josh Weddle, Changkuoth Jiath and Finn Maginness, which hinted he was ready for a big season.
He starred in the Indigenous All Star game against Fremantle before taking his place in the Hawks' last practice match in the Community Series.
Amon's run, carry and exquisite kicking skills have been an important component of Hawthorn's ball movement from the back half in their wins to date against the Swans, Bombers and Blues to leave Hawthorn 3-0 for the first time since 2014.
In his three appearances this year, his significance in attack has been crucial to the Hawks' rebounding game, where the team have looked to score off opposition turnovers.
Amon is averaging just shy of 26 disposals per game in 2025, with his booming left foot helping him to gather close to 570 metres per outing. He is also averaging five score involvements from the back half, with his ball use and vision a vital part of the Hawks' scoring chains.
While most in the AFL are familiar with Amon's attacking capabilities off the half backline, this year he has added in a tough edge with his tackling efforts.
Often overlooked for his defensive capabilities, Amon has shown that in 2025 that it is not just his ball use and attacking trends that will be on show on a weekly basis for the Hawks.
The 29-year-old has averaged three tackles per game in defence, putting him above average in that area in the league for defenders.
His defensive work has been no more important than in Hawthorn's 20-point win last Thursday night at the MCG against the Blues.
The Hawks were in front by five points, late in the 3rd quarter, and the Blues were pressing to score a goal to regain the lead.
Brodie Kemp took possession of the ball, running towards goal before Amon threw himself at the rampaging Blues forward, bringing him down ball and all in a massive tackle that was rewarded with a free kick, freeing the Hawks from danger.
Amon's run of games at Hawthorn has been impressive, having played all but two matches during his time at the Hawks, which is a credit to his preparation and endeavour.
At the end of the 2022 season, the Hawks were looking to offload experienced players under contract in Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O'Meara, while also dealing with the retirements of key premiership players Ben McEvoy and Liam Shiels.
Sam Mitchell then saw Amon as the prototype player to help the Hawks move up the ladder quicker than most expected.
Having played 124 games for Port Adelaide after being selected with Pick 68 in the 2013 AFL National Draft, he entered his free agency year looking at a change, with a return to Victoria on the cards.
He selected to join the Hawks during the free agency period of 2022 on a four-year deal, turning down offers from St Kilda and North Melbourne, where he was reunited with fellow Power players in Chad Wingard and Jarman Impey.
His signing was a massive coup for the Hawks, with the wingman keen to join due to the positive direction of the organisation and the exciting brand of football being developed, while also adding experience to a young list that was rebuilding.
During the 2023 season, he played predominantly on the wing for the Hawks, where his running prowess and decision-making helped win seven games for the season.
2024 saw a change in his role, with Mitchell deploying Amon at half-back. While there were teething issues at first, especially during Hawthorn's 0-5 start to the season, Mitchell's vision to have Amon using his precise left boot to help the team exit the defensive 50 and set up counter-attacking forays led to a stunning finals charge.
He was influential in the Hawks' elimination final win against the Dogs at a packed MCG and again the following week as the Hawks fell short of an unlikely semi-final win.
With Mitchell and list manager Mark McKenzie's forethought on list structure and eye for detail in terms of game plan, Amon has become one of the key players who have joined the Hawks and become important cogs in the Hawks' charge for a flag in 2025.
Hawthorn will be looking to defeat the Giants on Saturday evening, hoping to celebrate Amon's 50th game in the brown and gold in style while taking the club to a 4-0 start before their early season bye.
