Is Alastair Clarkson about to deliver his greatest coaching masterstroke?

The fighting finish to last season has Hawks' fans believing their side can make an immediate return to finals. And fans aren't ruling out another cup in a cabinet loaded with four premiership trophies won under Clarkson in the past 10 seasons. 

Though last year's 12th was Hawthorn's worst ladder finish since 2009, 87 per cent of fans predict the new-look Hawks will soar back into September action this season. 

Injury-plagued recruit Jaeger O'Meara, who managed only six games in 2017, was nominated as one of the keys to Hawthorn's fortunes.

Read: The AFL writers' preview Hawthorn's season

Giving their take on their side's 2018 prospects in AFL.com.au's pre-season survey, 27 per cent of fans named O'Meara the Hawks' most important player, just behind prolific onballer Tom Mitchell (29 per cent). 

Here are the survey results, plus a selection of Hawthorn fans' responses.

Who is the Hawks' key player in 2018?Percentage of fan votes29292727181888Tom MitchellJaeger O'MearaRyan BurtonJarryd RougheadTom Mitchell
Which new arrival will make the biggest impact?Percentage of fan votes79791717Jarman ImpeyJames WorpelJarman Impey

What's the Hawks' weakest spot on the park?

Key defenders. Although this year with more returning from injury hopefully not. Brand was good once he got some games under his belt.
- Martin Symmons, Woolgoolga NSW

Midfield. Tom Mitchell needs support this year. How Jaeger O'Meara plays will mean the difference between playing or missing finals.
- Joshua Karis, Ascot Vale Vic

Midfield. There is premiership experience at the front and rear end of the park, but with the loss of Lewis, Mitchell and even Hodge its a little untested and filled with new blood.
- Brendan Montgomery, Wollongong NSW

It'll be a great year if ...

... O'Meara plays all 22 games (and hopefully finals) and Impey can have a break out year. Would also like to see Breust find his best form again.
- Harley Claxton, Berwick Vic

... O'Meara and Mitchell become the new Mitchell and Lewis.
- Andrew Johnston, Caboolture Qld

... the talented youngsters develop nicely and build chemistry alongside the good mix of veterans. If the list can stay healthy in 2018, then finals and our next piece of silverware are not far away.
- Leigh Wadeson, Guangzhou China

... Shaun Burgoyne plays his best footy in his last season for the Hawks.
- Trevor Price, Alice Springs NT

Ladder positionWhere we'll finish the home and away season3456789108  Percentage of votes:14

What's your dream headline in 2018?

'They're back ...'
- Luke Bacher, Port Melbourne Vic

'Clarko extends contract'
- Richard Katherl, Forestville SA

'Mitchell wins Brownlow in a canter'
- Jason Williams, Baldivis WA

What's the headline you secretly dread?

'Clarkson quits at Hawthorn'
- Kylie Armistead, Eltham North Vic

'O'Meara succumbs to long term injury again'
- Harry Flashman, Waratah NSW

'Buddy boots 10 in grand final win'
- Cliff Giles, Darwin NT

'Ryan Burton requests a trade to South Australia'
- Joshua Karis, Ascot Vale Vic