In a year mainly focused on development, Hawthorn has surprised many in 2022 under new coach and club great Sam Mitchell.
There has been plenty to like about this Hawks side despite sitting in 13th, with the rise of Mitch Lewis and Dylan Moore particular highlights, while the sensational return of James Sicily in defence has put him in All-Australian conversations.
They are a young, exciting team that is destined to go places in years to come should they develop like many are predicting and will have their eye on returning to the finals yet again in 2023.
It seems the approach at Waverley Park is to focus on youth within the team, which has heavily influenced who was picked in these five spots.
While they'll have plenty of players in mind, the Hawks would also be pretty keen to target other clubs' draft equity to continue blooding hidden gems in coming seasons.
Back to the list, and in no particular order, here are five players the Hawks could target this off-season heading into 2023.
TRADE TARGETS: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GWS
1. Karl Amonย
Getting the obvious out the way first, we start with one player who has been heavily linked with a move to the Hawks, Port wingman Karl Amon.
The long-kicking left-footer appears set to depart Alberton in favour of a return to Victoria as an unrestricted free agent this off-season, with Hawthorn reportedly in the box seat to secure his signature.
Amon was named as part of last season's All-Australian squad of 40 after an impressive campaign and, while not quite at the same level, has backed it up with another solid season.
The 26-year-old has featured in all 19 games for the Power in 2022, averaging 23.6 disposals and 5.8 marks a game.
Amon is in his prime years now, and the Hawks will benefit from having an established wingman at the peak of his powers in 2023 should they be successful in their pursuit.
A reported deal worth $650,000 a year over five seasons has been floated as the figures that Amon would join on, meaning they could enjoy many successful seasons with the winger on their side.
