AFL.com.au's Ashley Browne evaluates the Hawks' season so far...
What’s worked: The Hawks' backline has held together well despite the retirement of Brian Lake. James Frawley is the only true key defender but the system, which features Josh Gibson and Ben Stratton then playing tall or small, depending on the opponent has bent on occasion but is yet to break.
What hasn’t: The Hawks have got away for years without ever dominating contested possession and clearances. But as the gap between them and the rest of the competition has narrowed, Hawthorn's failings in that part of the ground have become more magnified. The last few weeks have been better in that respect, but big tests loom later in the season.
Who haven’t we seen enough of yet: Ryan Schoenmakers has missed nearly two months with his "grumbly groin" and the Hawks have missed his ability to create contests and bring the ball to ground in the forward line. His return is essential if the side hopes to go deep into the finals.
Indispensable: Jack Gunston has stepped up admirably in the absence of Jarryd Roughead as the No.1 key forward, but it might be a bridge too far for Hawthorn if he was to get injured from here. Sam Mitchell gets an honourable mention as well.
Coach score: Alastair Clarkson has been without his first-choice centre half-forward, his Coleman Medal winning full-forward and his inspirational captain, Luke Hodge, who has played just four of 11 matches to date. He has blooded four debutants and given regular games to three others who started the season with five games or fewer to their name. Despite all this, his team is 8-3 and right in the premiership mix. He is coaching beautifully. 8/10
Big improver: Jack Gunston. His stats are tracking about the same as previous years but the difference in 2016 is that he gets the no.1 defender for company most weeks. He has played well in just about every game this year. Isaac Smith, James Sicily, Tim O'Brien and Paul Puopolo are also in this discussion.
Didn’t see that coming: The 75-point loss to Greater Western Sydney in round six was horrible in every respect, but increasingly seen as an aberration given how the season has played out to date.
Non-negotiable: The Hawks still face three tough games on the road before the end of the season – Port Adelaide, Sydney Swans and West Coast. They'll need to win one or perhaps two if they harbour genuine top-four hopes and to demonstrate they are still premiership material.
Pass mark for the rest of the year: At Hawthorn, it is all about finishing in the top-four and then resetting from there to try and win the flag. Given what has transpired this year, top-four is a pass mark and the rest would be gravy.
