12 weeks ago, Hawthorn were preparing for Adelaide and preparing to get their season back on track. 

With a loss to Essendon in Round 1 as disappointing as it was, it seemed to be somewhat excused given the enormity of the game for the opposition, who seemed very possibly amidst a swift return to finals football.

Adelaide had surprised the footy world in their season opener, thumping a flag fancy in the GWS Giants and suddenly staking their own claim to be a premiership threat. 

The Round 2 meeting with the Crows promised to be a blockbuster and, with the return of Luke Hodge, a return to the winners list was anticipated. 

Despite an explosive start by the Hawks, worrying signs repeated themselves with another third quarter fade and senior players not playing to standards they had previously held themselves to. 

Now, where we are entering Round 14, there is likely no “season to get back on track” for the Hawks, the landscape has changed.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson admitted on Wednesday it is “highly unlikely” his side makes finals this year, which will mark the first season the Hawks haven’t finished in the eight since 2009. 

Since the Round 2 clash against Adelaide, the Hawks have endured an enormous level of injury strife, with eight changes between this week’s brown and gold line-up and the one that fronted the Crows in Round 2.

The Crows have half of that, with just the four changes since the game on April 1. 

As the Hawks prepare for the unenviable task of taking on Adelaide in Adelaide, they are aware that their aspirations may need to be tempered.

But the hope remains. 

Since Round 2, Ryan Burton has picked up a Rising Star nomination and has emerged as a player of the future at the Hawks. 

Three players have debuted and shown that they too will help form the Hawks’ future identity - despite not being selected for this week's clash. 

And Tom Mitchell has thrived at his new club, leading the league in disposals, and placing himself firmly in the conversation of the All Australian team.

As Clarkson said, methods are being put in place to ensure success does not take long to return to, ensuring that there will be “some silverware ahead pretty soon”.