Former Hawthorn recruiter Gary Buckenara says the Hawks’ list is at a crossroads and it’s time to rebuild

The weekend’s horror show has put the microscope on Hawthorn and, while master coach Alastair Clarkson isn’t a fan of rebuilding with high draft picks, recruiting guru Gary Buckenara says it’s time for him to change.

Will Ben McEvoy be part of the Hawks’ next flag? Picture: Michael Klein

Hawthorn’s list has reached the crossroads and the club must decide whether to top-up yet again or enter rebuild mode for the first time in 16 years, long-time recruiter Gary Buckenara says.

The Hawks have not had a top-10 selection since taking Mitchell Thorp in 2006 and legendary coach Alastair Clarkson has long scoffed at clubs who accumulate prized draft picks in the belief they will automatically translate to September success.

Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Watch every match of every round Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

But with seven Hawks older than 30 Buckenara said it was time to consider trading players with currency to stockpile young talent, as the Hawks did when they offloaded Trent Croad and Jon Hay almost 20 years ago.

“A premiership could be a little way off unless they invest in the draft,” Buckenara said yesterday.

“The list is old and that’s putting a bit of pressure on. It’ll be interesting which way they go (at the end of this season).”

Buckenara said key forwards Tim O’Brien, 26, and Mitchell Lewis, 21, were players who could appeal to other clubs, although noted they wouldn’t command selections in the first round.

Since winning the 2015 premiership the Hawks have traded away draft picks that were ultimately used on Todd Marshall (Port Adelaide), Hunter Clark, Ben Long, Josh Battle (all St Kilda), Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli (both West Coast).

While every club ranks the draft differently and Hawthorn is unlikely to have selected those players, they indicate the quality of talent available at the offloaded picks.

But Clarkson and football boss Graham Wright put them to good use, securing superstars Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara and Chad Wingard in blockbuster trades.

“For some clubs Grand Final day is towards the end of November, and that‘s because they’ve got all those high draft picks. But that’s never been our go,” Clarkson said in 2018.

Since 2009 the Hawks have used just two top-20 picks – Isaac Smith and Ryan Burton, who was traded to Port Adelaide after 47 games.

Hawthorn gave up prized draft picks to secure Jaeger O’Meara.

The Hawks have also managed to unearth gems deep in the draft, securing Blake Hardwick, James Worpel, Harry Morrison and Oliver Hanrahan beyond pick No.40.

They blooded 2019 draftees Will Day – a skilful right-footer – and Josh Morris on Friday night and have high hopes for father-son Finn Maginess.

Despite the doom and gloom the Hawks are 3-3 and well and truly in the finals hunt, having played five premiership contenders already.

It is their slow ball movement and malfunctioning forward line that appears to be more alarming than the win-loss ratio.

Mitchell Lewis has been a value pick for the Hawks.

MORE AFL:

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett defends coach Alastair Clarkson amid criticism from ex-Hawk greats

Ex-Hawthorn gun Jordan Lewis says Sam Mitchell is the right man to succeed Alastair Clarkson as coach and lead rebuild

AFL unveils Round 8 fixture as Victorian clubs brace for longer periods away from home

Former St Kilda star Nick Dal Santo said Isaac Smith was the only veteran who shouldn’t be feeling nervous given how abruptly Clarkson has ended the careers of some champions.

Buckenara said the 2020 list was “competitive” but not premiership standard while former coach Ross Lyon said the Hawks lacked talent.

The Hawks should start favourites in their next two games, against Melbourne (Giants Stadium) and Carlton (Perth Stadium).

Originally published as Former Hawthorn recruiter Gary Buckenara says the Hawks’ list is at a crossroads and it’s time to rebuild