Hawthorn track watch: Ned Reeves tipped to challenge for forward role as stars impress

He was a regular for two seasons only to fall out of favour in 2024 but could a new role breathe new life into the tall Hawk’s career? PLUS notes on Hawk stars from the track.

Hawthorn preseason training session at Waverley Park. Picture: Tony Gough

A forgotten Hawthorn ruck trained strongly during a light session on Saturday as he puts his hand up for more senior opportunities in 2025.

Ned Reeves was the incumbent No.1 ruck at Hawthorn entering 2024, having played 21 games the season before.

But Lloyd Meek’s development into a leading ruck in the AFL relegated Reeves to just four games in 2024, with the pair not playing together once last season.

With Hawthorn facing a potential key forward-sized hole to start 2025, Reeves could be parachuted into the goal square, where his 210cm frame could provide opposition defenders with issues.

Hawthorn preseason training session at Waverley Park. Picture: Tony Gough

The Hawks are currently without promising key forward Calsher Dear, who is sidelined with a bone stress reaction in his lower back.

Dear is facing a delayed start to his second campaign, with Hawthorn cautious to put a timeline on his recovery.

The 19-year-old produced a stunning maiden campaign after landing at the Hawks as a father-son selection, kicking 25 goals in 17 games.

With Hawthorn stocking up on key defensive weapons, landing Josh Battle from St Kilda and Tom Barrass from West Coast while also selecting Noah Mraz at No.35 in the national draft, the Hawks could swing defenders Blake Hardwick or James Sicily forward on a more consistent basis.

Can the Hawks play two rucks? Picture: Tony Gough

But one option would be to play Reeves alongside Meek in a dual-ruck set-up, with Reeves running well and looking nimble on Saturday.

Hawthorn changed its tune on using a two-ruck set-up under Sam Mitchell, having gone from 14 games with Meek and Reeves together in 2023 to none in 2024.

But with gun forward Mitch Lewis missing until at least midway through the season as he recovers from a torn ACL, Hawthorn’s key stocks are light on.

Mabior Chol trained fully on Saturday and completed some goal kicking drills as he enters his second season at the club.

Mabior Chol will likely lead Hawthorn’s key forward attack to start the 2025 campaign, with Calsher Dear and Mitch Lewis to eventually join him. Picture: Tony Gough

Chol booted 37 goals in 23 games after a move from Gold Coast, but kicked just one goal in Hawthorn’s two finals appearances.

Meanwhile, Massimo D’Ambrosio was kept out of training for the final week before Christmas after having his appendix removed, however he was back on the training track on Saturday.

After completing the running and skills work, D’Ambrosio stayed out with a coach to work on his ground ball pick ups, weaving through traffic and disposing by foot.

The former Bomber was impressive in his first season at Hawthorn, constantly mentioned as a potential All Australian squad member after starring on the wing for the Hawks.

Connor Macdonald (centre) is tipped to break out in 2025 after an impressive campaign last year. Massimo D’Ambrosio (left) enjoyed a strong first season at the club in 2024, while Dylan Moore (right) is an All Australian . Picture: Tony Gough

Midfielder Cam Mackenzie stayed on track after the session and was involved in a lengthy discussion with coach Sam Mitchell.

Mackenzie missed Hawthorn’s finals campaign with a hamstring injury suffered ahead of the elimination final against the Western Bulldogs, but has noticeably bulked up ahead of his third season.

Midfield bull Jai Newcombe looked lean as he hit the track, performing strongly in the running.

Hawthorn draftee Cody Anderson, who looks to be cut from the same cloth as Newcombe, performed well during the lighter session as well.

Anderson has trained almost exclusively forward despite being drafted as a midfielder, and while the forward rotation is well stocked the youngster looks to be competing well for a spot.

Originally published as Hawthorn track watch: Ned Reeves tipped to challenge for forward role as stars impress