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.
4Brandon Starcevich
Free agents are the name of the game for the Hawks, who lured Josh Battle to Waverley last year for nothing and are showing an interest in the aforementioned Oscar Allen in 2025.
Starcevich is another restricted free agent, with that category meaning the Lions could match a bid and force a trade with a club keen on luring the lockdown defender.
If the Hawks can make a successful play for the premiership Lion while avoiding an outcome that includes a trade, then a move for Starcevich's signature makes sense.
A player who can be used to quell the opposition's best small forward, Starcevich would be able to step into that role and therefore free up veteran Blake Hardwick to play further up the ground if required.
However, most clubs now possess a damaging one-two attacking punch at ground level, meaning the Hawks would have the players to restrict those types of teams.
