AFL Team Profile: Hawthorn

Hawthorn have had a tough few seasons as they go through a rebuild and their members will be hoping for a surge up the ladder in 2024.

The Hawks have a long and proud history, winning 13 flags along the way, and not that long ago they were dominating the competition.

Under the leadership of Alastair Clarkson, they won three premierships in a row in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Since then they have slipped down the ladder and have been going through a rebuild in recent years in an attempt to get back to the top.

Clarkson has since moved on and Sam Mitchell, who was a player during the three premiership wins, is now at the helm.

The aim for Hawthorn will be to make big progress in 2024 and getting closer to finals will be the goal.

Getting in there will be a tall order however and they are priced at 6.00 to make the top eight.

Let’s take a look at the Hawks heading into 2024.

Hawks struggle in 2023

It was another season of struggle for Hawthorn as they continue to rebuild the club and only West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne finished below them on the ladder.

The Hawks picked up just seven wins from their 23 games to finish in 16th spot on 28 points, 16 ahead of North Melbourne.

However they were 22 point behind the top eight, and that is the gap they will need to bridge in 2024 if they are to make finals.

Among all the defeats in 2023, there were some very encouraging signs for the Hawks as they picked up some big results.

Hawthorn defeated St Kilda by 10 points in their own back yard and then on home soil they also beat high-flying Brisbane Lions by 26 points.

They also managed to beat Collingwood 105-73 and then knocked over Western Bulldogs in the very next game.

However there was not enough of them and they ended the campaign with a home defeat against Fremantle that summed up their season.

Hawthorn are 10.00 to suffer most losses in the regular season but they should be looking up in 2024.

Key players

Hawthorn are looking to youth as they aim to rebuild and take the club into the future but the experienced heads are there.

They have a massive role to play and in captain James Sicily they have one of the best defenders in the competition who will lead from the back.

Luke Breust was a part of the team that won the premierships in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and at 33 years of age is still booting goals. He kicked 47 goals in 2023 and will be needed again.

Jack Gunston and Chad Wingard will also be players to look out for in 2024.

There is also plenty of talk regards young midfielder Will Day heading into the new season, and the Hawks hope he can take his game to the next level.

Nick Watson could also be a player to watch out for in 2024, and he is priced at 17.00 to win the Rising Star award.

Hawks look to down Bombers

Hawthorn will begin their 2024 campaign with a short trip to take on Essendon on Saturday 16th March.

The Hawks are 2.10 to get the win, with Essendon available at 1.75.