The season is almost upon us. 

One final dress rehearsal this weekend against North Melbourne before we set our sights on the season opener against Essendon. 

So what can we expect in the early stages of the season? 

With concrete details on the opening six rounds, we've had a look at each match-up to see what we have to look forward to.

The five opportunities set to be gobbled up by some exciting Hawks youngsters

Round 1

Saturday March 20 - Essendon v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium

You likely don't need your excitement levels to be incited further, do you?

Footy is back.

Crowds are in Melbourne for the first time since mid-August 2019.

And we're up against one of our biggest rivals on a Saturday night.

This match-up will mark the beginning of a new era for the Hawks as the club looks to build the foundations towards its next premiership success. 

Will Clarko unleash any debutants? Maybe Connor Downie or Denver Grainger-Barras? Or even Tyler Brockman, the excitement machine?

Much remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure - we're ready for the ride. 

Round 2

Sunday March 28 - Hawthorn v Richmond, MCG 

What better way to gauge where you're at then take on the reigning premiers?

A tough task awaits in our Round 2 clash, but we thought the same of our Round 3 meeting with the Tiges last year and that panned out to be our best win of the year. 

Circle this date in your diaries as well for the sheer fact that it's our long-awaited return to the 'G with a home crowd providing the wind in our sails that we missed so much in 2020.

And, if you're a fan of the stiff arm, there may not be a better exhibition of it this year than watching Dustin Martin and James Worpel refuse to argue with each other as two of the best exponents of the skill in our game. 

Provided he plays in each match of the opening fortnight, this'll be Worps' 50th game too! He's achieved a bit in a short amount of time, hasn't he?!

Membership is your best opportunity to watch the Hawks live in 2021, so don't forget to join or renew your membership ahead of this exciting clash.

Round 3

Monday April 5 - Geelong Cats v Hawthorn, MCG 

Essendon into Richmond into Geelong. Wow.

It's three true blockbusters to kick off our season and what better way to introduce our young Hawks to the ways of the big time.

Easter Monday encounters rarely need much hamming up, irrespective of either side's ladder positions at the time, you just know a fiery contest is imminent.

And if the Hawks needed any further impetus to get their engines going, perhaps the thought of beating that guy that left us to venture down the highway might help. 

Round 4

Sunday April 11 - Fremantle v Hawthorn, Optus Stadium 

After 13 of our 17 outings were outside of Victoria last year, we will have our first interstate trip in Round 4 when we take on Freo. 

Relative to other clubs, the Hawks' 60 per cent winning record at Optus Stadium ranks in the upper echelons ,so the flight west might not figure to mean much here either.

The Dockers are a team following a similar trajectory to the Hawks, full of youth and promise, which sets the scene for an intriguing battle of two sides with one eye on the future. 

How will the Hawks close out their opening month of the season?

Round 5

Sunday April 18 - Hawthorn v Melbourne, MCG 

Back at the home of footy for Round 5 as we host the Demons.

Two sides boasting midfields full of contested ball-winners, this one promises to be an exhibition of hard, tough footy.

With the likes of Max Gawn, Christian Petracca and Steven May, the Dees boast some top-end talent, so it begs the question: how well will the Hawks be able to contain them?

Round 6

Sunday April 25 - Hawthorn v Adelaide Crows, University of Tasmania Stadium

At long last, a return to our second home!

The most successful venue in the club's history, this one will be our first visit to Tassie since July 2019. 

The game is set to fall on Anzac Day too - the 14th time the club will play on that date. 

The meeting may see Kyle Hartigan face his former side, while the Crows will be aided by former Hawks assistant coach Scott Burns. 

While some of the 2021 fixture details remain unclear for now, one thing is for certain; you won't have to wait long to witness intriguing battles and exciting stories at the football this year.

Each Hawthorn game promises to ignite passion, uncloak stars of the future and provide an outlet for competitive spirit we all missed so much last year.

And the best part about it? Hawthorn members and supporters will be back to witness every minute.