Following a very clear focus on development across the past two seasons, the Hawks are ready to take their next step in 2024.

With another pre-season into their burgeoning stars, and a breadth of new personnel ahead of their campaign, the future looks bright for the Hawks.

Here is all the information you need to know as the Hawks turn their attention to their season opener against Essendon at the MCG on Saturday.

Leaders

Coach: Sam Mitchell

Captain: James Sicily

Vice captains: Luke Breust and Dylan Moore

Ins and Outs

In

Massimo D'Ambrosio (trade, Essendon), Mabior Chol (trade, Gold Coast), Calsher Dear (No.56 draft pick, father-son), Jack Ginnivan (trade, Collingwood), Jack Gunston (trade, Brisbane), Will McCabe (No.19 draft pick, father-son), Ethan Phillips (SSP, Box Hill VFL), Bodie Ryan (No.46 draft pick), Nick Watson (No.5 draft pick)

Out

Lachy Bramble (delisted), Tyler Brockman (trade, West Coast), Fergus Greene (delisted), Emerson Jeka (delisted), Jacob Koschitzke (trade, Richmond), Ned Long (delisted), Max Lynch (retired), Josh Morris (delisted), Fionn O'Hara (delisted), Brandon Ryan (trade, Brisbane)

Players to watch

Click on the links below for an analysis of Hawthorn's list by position, with each of our assistant coaches taking us through every player's pre-season.

Forwards | Midfielders | Defenders

2023 in a nutshell 

Position on the ladder: 16th / 7 wins / 16 losses

Top three best and fairest (Peter Crimmins Medal): Will Day, Jai Newcombe and Conor Nash

In what was another year of growth and development, the Hawks showed some promising signs in season 2023.

Wins over both grand finalists, Brisbane Lions and Collingwood, were highlights for the brown and gold faithful, as was seeing the development of several Hawks including Will Day, Josh Weddle and Seamus Mitchell.

James Sicily completed his first year as captain alongside co vice-captains Dylan Moore and Luke Breust, with Hawthorn’s emerging group coming along quickly under Coach Sam Mitchell in his second year at the helm.

CHECK OUT OUR AFL PLAYER PROFILES FOR 2024

The coaches

Sam Mitchell – Senior Coach

Brett Ratten – Head of Coaching Performance & Development

Kade Simpson – Assistant Coach (Backs)

David Hale – Assistant Coach (Midfield)

Adrian Hickmott – Assistant Coach (Forwards)

Andy Collins – Head of Development

David Mackay – Development Coach

Arryn Siposs – Development Coach

Zane Littlejohn – Box Hill Senior Coach/Development Coach

FIND HAWTHORN'S FULL 2024 FIXTURE HERE

The big games to get excited for

R1 v Essendon, MCG

While the Hawks won't be hosting this year's Round 1 clash, the game will act as a Member Access Game, allowing Hawthorn members access to use their membership to attend the match. Make sure to get down to the 'G for Round 1 and watch your Hawks in action for the first time in 2024!

R2 v Melbourne, MCG

In what marks their first MCG home game for the season, the Hawks will face an early challenge against the 2021 premiers when they take on Melbourne in Round 2. The game forms part of three MCG games in a row for the Hawks (including two home games), giving fans and members loads of footy action at our home deck to kick off 2024.

SECURE YOUR TICKETS FOR OUR FIRST HOME GAME IN ROUND 2 HERE

R3 v Geelong, MCG

It's one of the games Hawks fans' immediately pencil into their calendars every year - even more so in 2024 with the club regaining hosting rights for the clash! With the historic rivalry between these two sides running deep, and after several thrilling encounters in recent years, this is a game you don't want to miss.

R9 v St Kilda, UTAS Stadium

Hawthorn will return to for their first game at their Tassie home when they take on St Kilda at UTAS Stadium. Tassie fans last saw these two sides in action at the stadium back in 2018, so it’s been a while to say the least!

R19 v Collingwood, MCG

Fans will remember the highly entertaining match-up between these two sides in Round 21 last year, when the Hawks caused one of the biggest upsets of the year in front of more than 66,000 at the MCG. Beyond this year's encounter, these two sides have produced several entertaining matches in recent years, so we have a feeling this one might be another thrilling contest.

2024 Pre-season Coaches Reviews: Forwards | Midfielders | Defenders