Prior to the 2023 season, comments were made regarding the possible 'tanking' of the Hawthorn Football Club. Despite those rumours and notions still coming to the surface, the club has far exceeded expectations.
Not necessarily in ladder position, however, but in the way that they are losing is quite gallant and shows signs of genuine improvement.
They are most definitely a long-term project, but under head coach Sam Mitchell, the future looks bright for this young Hawks side.
Could a few key signings ramp up the speed at which they improve? These are five names they could consider this off-season.
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2. Jake Riccardi
The Giant forward has shown his talent recently in season 2023. The 198cm tall attacker has played 14 games this season and has shown that he can potentially grow into a key forward. Averaging 1.5 goals a game in 2023 along with 10 touches, the Giant would create another target for the Hawks midfield to hit.
With the reliance on young tall Mitch Lewis, Riccardi could be a second man in the forward line to create a 'twin tower' dynamic. These dynamics are present across the entire competition e.g. Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins, Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood. These forward lines can work brilliantly when done right, it's just a matter of if Riccardi could be that second target.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Currently paired up with Jesse Hogan, Riccardi has proven that he can be a forward threat despite the brunt of the goalscoring for GWS coming from skipper Toby Greene. Riccardi is currently unsigned with talks on a deal on hold, however, would need to be acquired in a trade as he is not a free agent.
The Hawks have been previously linked to the former Werribee forward already this year.
