As we turn towards a fresh start in 2023, there is a lot to like about Hawthorn’s young and exciting list in the season ahead.

The brown and gold are set to inject further youth into the fold, while plenty of familiar faces are returning, including some who are putting together impressive pre-season campaigns.

Here are some of the Hawks to watch this year as we begin the march towards Round 1.

THE RETURNED STARS

The performances of experienced pair Luke Breust and Chad Wingard could prove pivotal to Hawthorn’s success in in 2023, both on and off the field.

Fresh from signing a new two-year deal, Breust will be looking to better his outstanding 2022 season, where he booted 40 goals to finish the club’s leading goal-kicker.

With a host of young and exciting small forwards, the crafty veteran could be the key to help fast-track their development and create a potent attack which becomes the envy of the league.

Wingard was among the older Hawks who made an early return this pre-season, as he looks to piece together a more consistent campaign after several injuries limited him last year.

The 29-year-old, who played his 200^th game in 2022, is a proven star in the attacking half, regularly hitting the scoreboard. Despite playing 10 games last year, his average of 1.7 goals per game was his best since pulling on the brown and gold four seasons ago.

But it’s Wingard’s ability to blow open a game from the midfield that is arguably his biggest asset, often providing a much-needed spark in the engine room and when the Hawks need it most.

THE YOUNGSTER

Hawthorn’s top draft pick from a season ago Josh Ward could be a star on the rise in 2023.

The 19-year-old showed glimpses of his very best in his debut season, where he averaged 19 disposals from 14 games. This included a Rising Star nomination in Round 18, following sparkling a 34-possession performance that included six clearances and seven marks.

With an incredible work-rate and an insatiable appetite to improve, the sky is the limit for Ward this season.

Look for him to make the most of further opportunities through Hawthorn’s developing midfield following his first full pre-season.

MAKING THE LEAP?

Could this big man be taking some giant strides in 2023?

After overcoming an early-season shoulder injury, Ned Reeves showed he could mix it with the best ruckman in the competition as a 23-year-old last year.

Along with making an impact in the middle, the 210cm youngster was also able to push forward and provide a target inside forward 50.

With another off-season under his belt to further his ruck craft, could Reeves be Hawthorn’s candidate to make the leap towards a genuine star in 2023?

We certainly hope so.

THE RECRUITS

Hawthorn landed a trio of ready-made recruits in Karl Amon, Lloyd Meek and Cooper Stephens this off-season.

27-year-old Amon joins the brown and gold at the peak of his powers, having topped the Brownlow vote-getters for his old club last year.

The silky wingman oozes class, boasting strong pace and slick skills. Look for Amon to be a strong contributor in the Hawthorn midfield this year.

Big-man Lloyd Meek could easily slot in and shoulder the number-one ruck role for the Hawks in 2023.

The 24-year-old has shown a strong upside through 15 games for Fremantle, but battled for opportunities.

With exposure at the top level, combined with his ready-made frame, Meek is set up to make an immediate impact for the Hawks when called upon.

Having cut his teeth in Geelong’s A-list midfield, Cooper Stephens joins the Hawks with an added edge.

The former first-round draft pick has obvious talent and has highlighted his capacity to deliver at the top level, playing seven games for the Cats across their 2022 premiership season.

Standing at 188cm tall, Stephens will serve as another big-bodied midfielder for the Hawks.

He could be among the quiet achievers for the brown and gold in 2023.