Season 2023 promises to deliver plenty of fresh-faced Hawks following an impressive free agency and trade haul, along with several draftees.

Here’s a breakdown of the players beginning their first years in the brown and gold and what they bring!

KARL AMON

Amon joined the Hawks at the peak of his powers, after choosing to exercise his right as an unrestricted free agent to cross from Port Adelaide at the end of last season.

The 27-year-old Victorian returns to his home state after making his name for himself as one of the competition’s most talented wingmen following 124 games for the Power.

Amon is expected to make an immediate impact with his line-breaking run and carry, along with his elite decision making and disposal.

COOPER STEPHENS

Stephens, a big-bodied midfielder, has all the tools to slot straight into the Hawthorn engine room in 2023.

The former-first round draft pick landed at the Hawks after being traded from Geelong.

As a 21-year-old, Stephens played seven games for the Cats across their premiership season, highlighted by a strong 19-disposal and four-mark performance in Round 8.

After growing up a Hawthorn supporter, Stephens is now positioned to live out his childhood dream and run out in the famous brown and gold guernsey.

LLOYD MEEK

Big-man Meek is primed to make a big impact in his first year at the Hawks after being traded from Fremantle.

Standing at 203cm, Meek will be eager to earn greater opportunities in the brown and gold, after showing glimpses of his strong potential at the Dockers in the first four years of his career.

Having only turned 24 last season, Meek’s best footy is ahead of him, as he looks to develop into a dual threat for the Hawks with his capacity to push forward and become a target in attack.

FERGUS GREENE

Greene earns a second chance at AFL level following a stellar run of form for Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate Box Hill over the past two seasons.

The 24-year-old could play a key role in attack for the Hawks in 2023, having become somewhat of a goal machine during his previous two years for Box Hill.

After booting 30 majors from just nine games in 2021, Greene pieced together an impressive 2022 campaign to finish the year second in the VFL for individual goals with 53.

With good pace and strong goal smarts, Greene has proved himself a hard match-up for opposition defences.

CAM MACKENZIE

Mackenzie joins the Hawks having made a name for himself as among the most polished midfielders in his draft class.

Snapped up with Pick 7, the teenager plays with balance and poise beyond his years, with strong decision-making and stoppage-craft skills.

Standing at 187cm, Mackenzie’s height and strength continues to be a strong point of difference, promising to be a ready-made prospect

JOSH WEDDLE

Weddle shapes as one of the more intriguing first-year Hawks after joining the club with Pick 18 in the most recent draft.

Standing at 192cm, Weddle boasts elite athleticism and endurance, already impressing on the training track in various running time trial scenarios.

The versatile youngster has shown an ability to play various positions, including in defence, on a wing or even rotating through the midfield.

HENRY HUSTWAITE

Hustwaite joins Hawthorn’s midfield ranks as another big-bodied on-baller following his selection in the recent national draft.

Known for his slick ball use, Hustwaite has drawn comparisons to the likes of Collingwood star Scott Pendlebury.

With an ability to play in defence or through the midfield, Hustwaite could be a valuable asset for the young Hawks in 2023.

JACK O’SULLIVAN

Despite being relatively small in size, O’Sullivan is one of the tougher inside midfielders coming out of his draft class.

The agile youngster boasts strong speed, as well as a solid endurance base, clocking 6.32 on the 2km time trial at the draft combine.

O’Sullivan’s skillset also sees him rotating through the forward line, with an ability to impact the scoreboard, while applying strong defensive pressure.

BAILEY MACDONALD

Macdonald’s upside is as strong as any among Hawthorn’s recent draft haul, with the youngster eager to take the game on with his run-and-gun style off the half-back line.

With strong bursts of speed coupled with his flair and creativity, Macdonald could be a game-breaker for the Hawks in the future.

While predominantly playing half back, Macdonald has also impressed when playing stints through the middle.

JOSH BENNETTS

Joining the Hawks as a Category B rookie, Bennetts could provide a real spark for the brown and gold in 2023.

A Hawthorn Next Generation Academy graduate, Bennetts is a classy ball-user around the ground and makes things happen with his creativity by foot, particularly in the forward half.

The 178cm speedster is fresh from winning the best and fairest for the Eastern Ranges in his final under-18 season, where he kicked 14 goals from 13 games, while averaging 18.2 disposals per outing.