Hawthorn 2024 preview: Will there be more bottom-four pain or do Hawks begin climbing AFL ladder

The Hawks showed signes in 2023 but where does their improvement come from to rise up the ladder in 2024? And who’s in - and who’s out - of their best 23 for round 1?

This time last year some were calling Hawthorn’s rebuild a version of tanking. Patience is still required but the Hawks are showing signs of a slow climb up the ladder.

Like a Dan Andrews election promise, the big build continues at Hawthorn.

The Hawks may have stepped up a gear slightly in the trade period, snaring goalsneak Jack Ginnivan, mature forward Mabior Chol, runner Massimo D’Ambrosio and favourite son Jack Gunston, but make no mistake, the Hawks are still neck deep in the long game.

There are still plenty of holes to fill: Who is the No. 1 ruck? Who can pair with James Sicily down back? And with Mitch Lewis up forward? Are there enough classy runners alongside a powerful inside engine room?

Coach Sam Mitchell is realistic and has been pretty honest with the Hawks faithful that there will be no quick fix. But his team plays an exciting brand and seem to be doing things the right way.

HAWTHORN

Coach: Sam Mitchell

Captain: James Sicily

Hawthorn is hoping to surge up the ladder in 2024 after several years of pain. Picture: Michael Klein

What happened in 2023?

It was climate change levels of depressing talk about Hawthorn’s future in the pre-season, with some pondering whether the proud club was tanking by selling off so much mature talent.

Hawthorn then proceeded to be head and shoulders above bottom-two North Melbourne and West Coast, but still miles off those above.

Wins over both grand finalists, Brisbane Lions and Collingwood, were highlights but Hawthorn still racked up 16 losses, a mark that has only been topped twice in the last 73 seasons.

The Hawks won seven games, more than expected, but still finished 16th, a new club low.

Where do they finish in 2024?

Even if the Hawks pick up a few more wins, who can they go past?

In a best-cast scenario, 10 wins could see Mitchell’s men leapfrog Fremantle, Richmond or Geelong.

But another bottom-four finish probably beckons and most brown and gold fans will tell you, there is no need to rush the rise if further development and another high draft pick helps in the long term.

Biggest improver in 2024?

It may be slightly silly to expect more from Will Day after he made a leap to win the Peter Crimmins Medal as Hawthorn’s best-and-fairest at 22.

But the smooth midfielder has long been thought of as a potential top-10 player in the league within the corridors at Waverley.

Day ranked elite in disposal efficiency among midfielders and found the ball at a high level with 25.6 disposals per game in 2023.

He was rated above average for inside-50s and score involvements so can get the ball forward but Day kicked only six goals and had eight goal assists.

If the youngster can hit the scoreboard more in 2024, he can take a step towards that top-10 mark and the Hawks will need a genuine superstar to get where they want to go in the future.

Changkuoth Jiath has been an excitement machine for the Hawks off the half-back flank. Picture: Michael Klein

Jack Ginnivan feels the strain of some extra running during the pre-season. Picture: Michael Klein

X-factor

A fan-favourite, Changkuoth Jiath has only had a sputtering career, never playing more than 16 games in a season.

At his high in 2022, Jiath looked like he could be one of the best rebounders in the game given he endless dash.

But he only played eight times in 2023 and needs a good run with his body.

Jiath could see some more wing time in the future and become the kind of dashing outsider that helped the engine room during the recent premiership years, when Brad Hill and Isaac Smith pounded up and down the MCG wings.

Jiath is already 24, so his time is now to get on the park and back in front of the Hawthorn faithful.

Hawks fans are also salivating at seeing their new cult hero small forward pairing of Jack Ginnivan and Nick ‘The Wizard’ Watson.

James Sicily is looking to continue his 2023 form into next season. Picture: Michael Klein

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. November 20, 2023. AFL. Hawthorn footy training at Waverly Park. Will Day during todays session. Pic: Michael Klein

Coach status

Sam Mitchell has one of the highest approval ratings of any coaches among his fans at the moment.

The Brownlow medallist is signed up until the end of 2025 and if clear progress remains evident early next season, he could be eyeing early talks to extend that tenure.

Even though he has won just 15 of his 45 matches in charge, Mitchell has set a clear line on where his team wants to go and he has installed an attacking gamestyle that fans enjoy.

The patience can’t last forever, but there is little stress on Mitchell right now.

Who is in the last year of contract?

Bailey Macdonald, Blake Hardwick, Chad Wingard, Changkuoth Jiath, Clay Tucker, Conor Nash, Cooper Stephens, Denver Grainger-Barras, Harry Morrison, Henry Hustwaite, Jack Gunston, Jack O’Sullivan, Jack Scrimshaw, James Blanck, Josh Bennetts, Josh Weddle, Lloyd Meek, Luke Breust, Sam Frost.

Outs for 2024

Max Lynch (retired), Tyler Brockman (West Coast), Jacob Koschitzke (Richmond), Brandon Ryan (Brisbane Lions), Lachie Bramble (delisted, then signed by Western Bulldogs), Emerson Jeka (delisted then rookie drafted by Geelong), Fergus Greene, Ned Long, Josh Morris, Fionn O’Hara (delisted)

Ins for 2024

Jack Gunston (Brisbane Lions), Mabior Chol (Gold Coast), Jack Ginnivan (Collingwood), Massimo D’Ambrosio (Essendon), Nick Watson (draft No. 4), Will McCabe (draft No. 19), Bodie Ryan (draft No. 46), Calsher Dear (draft No. 56)