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The 2023 season was anticipated to be a tough one for the Hawthorn Hawks, especially after letting go of several seasoned players. But, surprise, surprise, they ended up having a better-than-expected year!
Despite notching up just seven wins (one less than the previous season), the Hawks showed they’ve got plenty of potential. A lot of folks thought the Hawks would struggle big time after trading away their top midfielders, Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O'Meara. But the young guns like Jai Newcombe, James Worpel, Will Day, and Conor Nash rose to the occasion, keeping the team competitive.
Mitch Lewis and Luke Breust were absolute standouts up front, making the Hawks a team you didn't want to underestimate. They even snagged wins against top teams like Collingwood, Brisbane, St Kilda, and the Western Bulldogs.
The midfield kept the ball rolling to the forward line, where 32-year-old Breust had a stellar season, kicking 47 goals. Mitch Lewis, despite being sidelined for a chunk of the season, still managed 36 goals in just 15 games. Imagine what he could do in a full season!
Consistency was a bit of a rollercoaster for the Hawks. One week, they’d pull off an epic win, and the next, they’d get smashed. Take, for instance, their back-to-back games where they beat Brisbane at the MCG and then got thrashed by Gold Coast by 67 points. Reducing the gap between their best and worst performances will be key for next season.
James Sicily stood out, earning himself an All-Australian blazer for his defensive prowess. Averaging 26 disposals and 10 marks per game, Sicily was a rock in the backline. His standout game was against St Kilda in round 11, where he racked up 43 disposals and 16 marks.
The Hawks handed Collingwood a massive 66-point loss at the MCG, leaving the reigning premiers in serious trouble. It was a masterclass from Hawthorn, leading almost the entire game and crushing the Magpies 20.13 (133) to 9.13 (67).
At the start of the season, both teams struggled, with the Hawks notching their first win only in late April. But since then, they've won 10 games and are on the verge of making it to the finals for the first time since 2018. It's a turnaround that even the most optimistic fans at Waverley Park didn't see coming.
Jack Ginnivan was a standout, making the most of his chance to face his former team. He racked up a career-high 31 disposals, was involved in 11 scores, and kicked two goals. Connor Macdonald also shone with four goals, and Luke Breust, ever reliable, added another four to his tally. New kid Nick Watson, the No. 5 pick from last year’s draft, shook off his early-season goal-kicking woes, nailing 3.0 for the match.
The Hawks absolutely dominated in the midfield. They amassed 146 more disposals, 132 more inside 50s, and 29 more contested possessions than Collingwood. James Worpel, Conor Nash, Jai Newcombe, and Will Day were key in controlling the centre, ensuring a steady supply to the forwards.
The game felt like a final from the get-go, and the Hawks’ pressure was relentless. Lloyd Meek was pivotal early on, setting up goals for Worpel and Breust with smart tap work. Ginnivan's interactions with his old Collingwood teammates added some spice, especially after a high tackle on Watson led to a goal.
When the rain came, it didn't slow the Hawks down. Watson weaved through the wet conditions to snap a memorable goal. By halftime, the Hawks were firmly in control, with Breust and Macdonald each adding their second goals. Collingwood, on the other hand, struggled to find the goals, managing only one in the first half and going through a stretch of 11 straight behinds.
The second half was more of the same, with Watson and others continuing to pile on the goals. Even when Collingwood finally broke their drought with a Jordan De Goey goal, Ginnivan quickly responded, sealing the deal against his former team. Late goals from Mabior Chol and Breust put the cherry on top of a night that saw Hawthorn take a significant step forward.
With this kind of form, the Hawks are definitely a team to watch as they push for a spot in the finals!
This is the place! At the top of this page you’ll find all the best tickets to the upcoming games, and it is a live page that is continually updated! As a result, we recommend saving it to your favourites if you are a Hawthorn Hawks fan so you have quick access to the best AFL tickets this season. With the way the Hawks are playing, you won’t want to miss a match!
Playing his 293rd game and breaking the record for most games by a player drafted as a rookie in Round 19 against Collingwood, Breust has surpassed the previous record held by Matthew Boyd from the Western Bulldogs.
Drafted at pick 47 in the 2009 rookie draft, Breust made his debut in 2011 against St Kilda, scoring two goals. Since then, he’s been a powerhouse for the Hawks, racking up 537 goals and being a crucial part of their premiership wins in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Along the way, he’s earned two All-Australian honours and led Hawthorn’s goal-kicking five times.
Reflecting on the hard work behind the scenes, Breust credits senior coach Sam Mitchell for driving high standards and sticking to a game plan that’s finally clicking. It’s this dedication and perseverance that have helped the Hawks turn their season around and chase a spot in the finals.
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