Glenn McFarlane looks at eight reasons Hawthorn will rise again in 2025

After taking the AFL by storm with Hokball, Hawthorn’s brigade of young stars will face huge expectations in 2025. GLENN MCFARLANE looks at why Sam Mitchell’s side will be even better.

MELBOURNE, SEPTEMBER 6, 2024: 2024 AFL Football – Elimination Final – Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn at the MCG. The hawks celebrate a goal. Picture: Mark Stewart

What’s the future for Hok Ball?

Can the Hawks’ brash, ballistic style that shook up the footy world this year be revived again in 2025? Or will rival clubs pick their way through Sam Mitchell’s daring tactics?

Glenn McFarlane pinpoints eight reasons why the Hawks can be back in contention again next season.

BACKS TO THE FUTURE

If there was an area where the Hawks looked a little vulnerable at times in the narrow semi-final loss to Port Adelaide, it was in the back half. Imagine being in a position to bring in two quality defenders who will change the shape of their backline. Tom Barrass is a premiership defender and Josh Battle has huge upside and their almost certain recruitment will make the Hawks’ back half a much more challenging prospect for opposition sides in 2025 and beyond.

Tom Barrass will bolster the Hawks’ defence. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Josh Battle shapes as another key inclusion. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

SWINGS AND ROUNDABOUTS

The recruitment of Barrass and Battle brings with it an added bonus — Mitchell has the prospect of swinging the magnets even more when the occasion warrants it. James Sicily was used as a swingman out of necessity on Friday night, but it can become more of a weapon next year. And you might also see Blake Hardwick alternate at times between the back and forward lines.

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY

This was the first time the Hawks played in front of more than 1 million fans in a season since 2016, and that can only be a good thing experience-wise for the club’s cast of young players. Two matches in front of 90,000-plus – in Dustin Martin’s 300th match and the elimination final win over Western Bulldogs – will help fast-track this group as it can expect a bigger, more daunting prime-time draw in 2025. Get used to the bright lights, Hawks fans, you are going to get a prime-time blast from the past.

A fit Will Day will make a huge difference. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH

There is an argument to suggest reigning best and fairest winner Will Day might be Hawthorn’s most important player. He could manage only 16 games this season due to injury and he missed all of September. He now has the summer to get his collarbone right, while Changkuoth Jiath – who missed selection in the finals – can work to get on top of his body issues after playing only 11 games in 2024. Surgery for Sicily will also fix his shoulder issues which hampered him for much of the year.

A TASTE OF SEPTEMBER

Sometimes the sting of a heartbreaking finals loss – particularly for a young group – can harden a group for the year after. Take Collingwood, for instance, as its 2022 preliminary final loss to Sydney steeled their charge towards the following year’s flag. It won’t be that easy for the Hawks. But given the side’s selected 23 on Friday night had played a collective 81 finals – the lowest by far of any of the semi-final teams – the lessons from this September can be used going forward.

Calsher Dear showed huge promise in his first season. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Nick Watson thrilled fans with a glimpse of his huge talents. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

WIZ AND CAL SHOW

Imagine being 19-year-olds and getting to experience what Nick Watson and Calsher Dear did in their debut seasons. They kicked 25 goals from 18 and 17 games respectively. They both look to have huge futures. Watson’s finals series was off the charts, kicking four against the Bulldogs and three against Port Adelaide.

Lloyd Meek has been one of the season’s most dominant ruckmen. Picture: Michael Klein

MEEK NOT YET AT HIS PEAK

Hawthorn’s decision to chase Dockers big man Lloyd Meek at the end of 2022 as part of a deal to send Jaeger O’Meara west looks a genius move now. Meek started his second season with the Hawks in the VFL, but ended it as one of the AFL’s most improved ruckmen. He took over the No. 1 ruck mantle, ramped up his aggression and played a massive role in the club’s 2024 revival. He can get even better next season.

The Hawks attack needs Mitch Lewis firing. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

COULD MITCH LEWIS BE THE CREAM ON THE CAKE NEXT SEPTEMBER?

You have to feel for Mitch Lewis as he works on his rehab from an ACL that wrecked his season in round 18. If things go to plan he could return at the back end of next season to give the Hawks an extra avenue to goal in the finals. He deserves a break with his body, having played only four games this season.

Originally published as Glenn McFarlane looks at eight reasons Hawthorn will rise again in 2025