Hawthorn 2021 outlook: Can Alastair Clarkson find a way to reinvent his struggling Hawks?

The 2020 season was one of rare failure for Alastair Clarkson and the Hawks, but history shows his sides are never down long. 2020 OUTLOOK

Glenn McFarlane

4 min read

January 6, 2021 - 5:53PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

There has been a big changing of the guard at Hawthorn. Who will step up and fill the void? Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

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After a second-straight season without playing finals, Alastair Clarkson will be hoping his Hawks can turn the corner in 2021 and climb back into the eight.

But who are the players needing to improve in order to do so?

We take a look at how Hawthorn is shaping up ahead of next year.

INS: Kyle Hartigan (Adelaide), Tom Phillips (Collingwood), Denver Grainger-Barras (Swan Districts), Seamus Mitchell (Bendigo Pioneers), Connor Downie (Eastern Ranges), Tyler Brockman (Subiaco), Jack Saunders (rookie, Norwood)

OUTS: James Frawley (St Kilda), Isaac Smith (Geelong), Conor Glass (retired), Will Golds (delisted), Ricky Henderson (retired), Darren Minchington (delisted), Paul Puopolo (retired), Jackson Ross (delisted), Ben Stratton (retired)

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Can master coach Alastair Clarkson find a way to reinvent his Hawks in 2021? Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

COACH STATUS

The relationship between president Jeff Kennett and coach Alastair Clarkson has always been fascinating but the former recently reiterated that the four-time premiership mentor is going nowhere.

Clarko’s contract runs through until the end of 2022, but it wouldn’t surprise to see the Hawks look to extend his deal at some stage next year.

Clarko has led the Hawks since late 2004 but observers say he is as engaged as ever and desperate to win another flag.

The club’s future move to Dingley excites him and means his tenure could yet stretch out to two decades.

Five premierships would put him in rare air, but he still has a way to go to reach Jock McHale’s eight.

Tom Mitchell may have a slow start to the year after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in October. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

GAME PLAN

It was hard to get a gauge on Hawthorn’s game style during a frustrating 2020 season.

They were badly beaten around the ball and those limitations in the middle of the ground contributed to their forward half free-fall for much of this year.

As a result, the systems-based coach made a number of tweaks during 2020 to ensure the Hawks came through the corridor more from the back half, which made them more aggressive with ball movement.

Suspect we will see more of that next year.

Tom Mitchell may be eased through the pre-season after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in October, but the club is confident his second year back from a broken leg will see him more confident in his body.

The Hawks will need even more output from fellow onball stars Jaeger O’Meara and James Worpel, the latter who dropped away after a best-and-fairest year.

Tom Phillips will be wearing brown and gold next season after being traded from Collingwood. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

TRADE TABLE REPORT

A solid, low-key effort from the Hawks as they sought cover in a key defensive role for James Frawley as well chased a wingman to offset the loss of Isaac Smith.

Kyle Hartigan was plucked out of the Crows and will be important in the back half.

The Magpies’ fire sale left the Hawks with the chance to secure Tom Phillips, who fell out of favour with Collingwood this year after a few previous strong seasons.

He will be a welcome acquisition on the wing for Hawthorn – a club and coach seemingly with an affinity for left-footers.

Hawthorn’s newest draftees: Tyler Brockman, Connor Downie, Denver Grainger-Barras, Seamus Mitchell and Jack Saunders. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

THEIR 2020 DRAFT HAUL

The Hawks made no secret of the fact they were targeting a key defender in the draft. It was pleased to secure Swan Districts’ Denver Grainger-Barras.

It’s hard to know what sort of impact he could make in his first season, but the 18-year-old is used to playing against men in the WAFL, so that will stand him in good stead next year.

Standing at 195cm, and capable of playing on talls and smalls, Grainger-Barras looks to have a big future.

He could be right in the mix for the opening round.

It will be interesting to see what early expectations, if any, they have on Seamus Mitchell (pick 29) and Connor Downie (pick 35).

Traditionally, Hawthorn likes to make its young players do their time before being awarded a senior spot.

Mitch Lewis will have greater responsibility up forward in 2021 alongside Jack Gunston. Picture: Sarah Reed

PLAYERS THEY CAN REINVENT

As good as he was in defence last year, it’s time to return big man Ben McEvoy to the No. 1 ruck role.

A reinvention of a reinvention, if you like.

Hawthorn’s forward line – once its great strength – is a serious concern next year, especially given Jack Gunston’s late start to the season.

That means Mitch Lewis and Tim O’Brien are going to need to step up.

Losing James Sicily to a knee injury is a blow as it robs Hawthorn of valuable versatility.

We are used to seeing Jarman Impey playing off half back, although he did return from his knee injury in attack late in 2020.

The Hawks should resist the temptation of sending him down back again and make him the Paul Puopolo replacement as the small pressure forward.

Impey will benefit enormously from his five games back in late 2020.

Talented youngster Will Day looks like a player of the future. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Will Day looks a serious player of the future after an impressive debut season in 2020.

Across halfback and at times in the middle, the 19-year-old made the most of his chances.

Clarko might see Day as the next Grant Birchall as he has great vision, as he is a good decision-maker and user of the ball.

Time is running out for injury-prone ex-Giant Jon Patton to chalk up regular game time, while damaging forward Chad Wingard needs to turn patches of brilliance into matchwinning consistency.