Hawthorn is said to be in a position to be able to look at adding to its recruiting department, as football soft caps are reportedly set to increase for 2022.
The Hawks are likely to look to the AFL draft to aid their rebuild (as opposed to free agency and trade), meaning they'll have more financial freedom in the coming years under coach-in-waiting Sam Mitchell, according to an Afl.com report.
The AFL reportedly told clubs they should expect to receive a boost of between $200,000 and $250,000 in their football department soft caps for 2022 after $3 million was taken off last year.
That followed the COVID pandemic relocating the game for much of the 2020 season, costing the AFL plenty to support the Queensland hub so the season could be completed.
Hawthorn currently hold picks three picks in the upcoming draft, including the number two spot, and Mitchell has highlighted his club's need to continue to be successful at the draft.
After Graham Wright departed for Collingwood, the Hawks were forced to restructure their list management and recruiting team.
In a corresponding move, Hawthorn elevated recruiting manager Mark McKenzie to be its list and recruiting manager.
The Hawks have been successful at recent drafts, with Will Day and Denver Grainger-Barras both excelling at the club through the early part of their careers.
That said, the Hawks are having an awful season on-field, sitting near the bottom of the table and entering a scrap over the competition's closing weeks to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon as they begin what could be a length rebuild.
