After a full pre-season and two practice matches, the Hawks now have their sights set on their season opener against Essendon at the MCG this weekend.

We’ve taken a look at the fresh faces – that being our new recruits and last year’s draftees – who could potentially play their first games in new colours come this Saturday.

PICK YOUR STARTING 23 FOR ROUND 1 TO BE IN THE RUNNING TO WIN!

Of the 2023 draft crop, Nick Watson arguably heads the list as the most likely candidate to throw a brown and gold jumper on for the first time against the Bombers.

The club's prized Pick 5 in last year's national draft has impressed across the past month with his leading and ability to be a constant scoreboard threat.

Fellow draftee Bodie Ryan has been another who has put his best foot forward through the course of the pre-season.

Taken at Pick 46, Ryan could be in the frame for an early season debut after the versatile defender was given the nod in Hawthorn’s 26-player squad against the Western Bulldogs in the AAMI Community Series Match last month.

Father-son selection Calsher Dear has also demonstrated his athletic prowess as a developing tall forward.

Working closely alongside Jack Gunston over the course of the pre-season, while still relatively raw, Dear has shown plenty of upside and promise, with his progression one to watch during the year.

Late pre-season pick up Ethan Phillips could possibly slot into the line up after fellow defender James Blanck was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.

Only joining the club a month ago, Phillips has attacked every session with vigour in his opening few weeks as a Hawk to figure as another potential call-up.

Down the other end of the ground, recruits Jack Ginnivan and Mabior Chol have helped rejuvenate the Hawks forward line heading into season 2024.

Ginnivan starred for the Hawks in their practice match against the Western Bulldogs last month in Launceston.

The premiership recruit scored two goals from four scoring shots in the first half and was his typical lively self, buzzing around Hawthorn’s new-look forward line.

Chol is another one vying for a spot in the Hawks attack after showcasing his talent over the summer.

The 27-year-old has slotted in alongside fellow key forward Mitch Lewis, emerging as a key stand-out at the club’s intraclub match last month with his aerial presence and accuracy impressing. 

Then there is Massimo D’Ambrosio who has excited onlookers with his running power and clean skills across half back.

The youngster, who is looking to secure a position for Saturday’s game against his old side, impressed across the Hawks two official practice games this season, notching up 26 disposals against the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval, before recording six marks and 18 disposals at 94 per cent efficiency the following week at UTAS Stadium.

So, who has done enough over the summer to earn the nod from the match committee to earn a place in the Round 1 blockbuster?

Well, we will have to wait a little longer until Thursday once the Hawks release their confirmed team.

However, in the meantime, we’re asking YOU to cast your predictions.

Which Hawks are in your best 23 to take on the Bombers? You can make your team selection and be in the running to win a 2024 team-signed guernsey and 12 months of free internet, thanks to iiNet!

Entries close this Wednesday 13 March at 12pm HERE.

*Note: The views expressed in this article are solely of the writer, not the club.