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.
5Jake Melksham
This is the left-field play for the Hawks to consider.
Melksham, who is an unrestricted free agent and wouldn't cost the club a big hit to their salary, has been one of the form forwards of the year.
His stellar run in the red and blue is evidence that he has much to give. But could he do so at a contending club in one last ditch to win a premiership?
The former Bomber didn't play in Melbourne's 2021 triumph, and might still have the hunger to play on the last day of the season.
The Hawks have gun talls and smalls in attack, but the added presence of someone in Melksham's role could be that extra spark required at Waverley.
