Hawthorn's list build process flicked the switch last year, with the club turning its attention from top draft talent to ready-made assets.
In 2025, the Hawks are tipped to attack the open market once more, with a strong draft hand likely to help.
The most pressing list needs aren't obvious at Hawthorn, with the club possessing a deep-batting defensive cohort, a strong midfield that has seen young guns forced to play VFL, and a forward line that is humming with clinical talls and smalls.
They also have a ruckman yet to reach his peak while competing with his best counterparts across the competition.
Considering their squad and position as premiership contenders, we take a look at how the Hawks could improve their squad, and hopes for a flag in the future.
1Oscar Allen
The Hawks have been heavily tied to the West Coast co-captain, so much so that coach Sam Mitchell even met with the Eagles free agent.
But do the Hawks still need to be scouting a key forward given the riches of their front-half talls this year?
If they could snare Allen for no trade cost, which might be likely given his free agency status and the Eagles' reported offer to keep him, then a play from the Victorian club makes sense.
Jack Gunston, who has spearheaded his side this season amid a career-best campaign, won't be around forever, with the triple premiership Hawk set to turn 34 in October.
There are ticks for Calsher Dear, Mitch Lewis and Mabior Chol, if all three can stay fit, but a fourth option to bring leadership to the front half in the mould of Allen would be hard to pass up.
