Hawthorn wingman Massimo D'Ambrosio has reflected on the club's 2025 campaign, its heartbreaking preliminary final exit, and what the brown and gold faithful can expect in 2026.
D'Ambrosio spoke to the Talking Hawks podcast about how Hawthorn has embraced his family, particularly his Nonno, who has become a fan favourite through numerous social media appearances.
"I just really enjoy having them in my corner and as part of the club — I think that's what it's all about," he said.
"I don't take for granted that he's still in my life. Not many people still have their grandparents, so I'm really grateful to have him there and be part of the journey with me."
When asked if his grandfather thinks he's the bigger star, D'Ambrosio laughed: "I think he likes to believe he is, but I honestly don't think he knows exactly what's going on."
The preliminary final loss to Geelong that ended Hawthorn's season continues to sting for the playing group.
"We did get one step closer than 2024, but yeah, just not quite good enough," D'Ambrosio reflected.
"We know we're not a finished product and we've got a lot of work to do."
The Hawks have returned for pre-season training with renewed determination, aiming to close the gap with grand finalists Geelong and Brisbane, who both defeated Sam Mitchell's side in their last encounters of 2025.
The summer training block has been demanding, with gruelling running sessions under the hot sun designed to have the squad fit and firing as genuine contenders.
"Testing is training and training is testing is what we say," D'Ambrosio explained.
"If you do the program and do what's required and come back in good shape, we've all got guys pushing each other to be better."
D'Ambrosio credited the fitness staff, particularly high-performance manager Peter Burge, for keeping players on the field and managing their loads effectively.
With only two players absent from full training drills, the near-complete availability has been a significant boost.
"I think our standards just keep lifting every week and every session because of that," he noted.
D'Ambrosio emphasised the importance of players who missed the finals campaign in driving those elevated standards during pre-season.
Star midfielder Will Day, who missed his second consecutive finals series through injury, along with Finn Maginness and Harry Morrison — both of whom featured in the Hawks' 2024 finals campaign — have been particularly influential.
"Having a lot of guys that missed out, they obviously have that fire burning as well. They want to get back and prove a point, really," D'Ambrosio said.
The wingman revealed his specific focus areas for recapturing his 2024 form: "I really wanted to take my aerobic capacity to another level, which I've been working on.
“I think my acceleration is slowly getting better, and that's where I want to take my game — being able to explode a bit better and react quicker than my opponents."
His acceleration work has already yielded results, leaving teammate Nick Watson face-planted during a training drill.
"Yeah, not many people do that, so I'll take that," he laughed.
The Hawks' relocation to their new home at the Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley has provided world-class facilities that have become the envy of many clubs.
However, D'Ambrosio was quick to add perspective: "At the end of the day, it's not what's going to take us to the next level. It's our connection as a team, and I think our vibe around the club is what's going to push us to be better."
At times during 2025, the Hawks struggled in the midfield, particularly at centre clearances and stoppages.
Injuries to Day and inconsistency among the younger midfield cohort created challenges for then-line coach David Hale.
The club has made a coaching change in that area, with former opposition analyst David Mackay bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas to the group.
D'Ambrosio was enthusiastic about midfield additions Connor MacDonald and Josh Weddle: "They're eager to learn, eager to get better. They're both really hardworking and willing to do the work.
“I think it adds another dimension to our midfield group."
He also praised vice-captain Dylan Moore and emerging leader Josh Ward for their pre-season impact, particularly highlighting Ward's development: "He's taken another level to his game this pre-season.
“He's really eager to make those around him better, and I think that's ideally going to make him better as well."
D'Ambrosio has taken draftees Ollie Greeves and Jack Dalton under his wing, spending extra time with them on the track.
He singled out Greeves for special praise, noting his composure in contests stems from his basketball background, which, alongside his kicking inside 50, has been a real highlight of his during his short time at the club.
"I really enjoyed the guys that took me under their wing and helped me settle into the club," he explained.
"I've just really treated them like younger brothers."
Despite missing out on high-profile recruiting targets like Zach Merrett, D'Ambrosio remains confident about the list's trajectory.
"Even though we didn't get them, I think our list is going to be a lot stronger and in a better place next year because of the work and experience we're going to gain from the young players," he said.
D'Ambrosio acknowledged the team must improve its adaptability, admitting that in 2025, opposition teams figured out Hawthorn's game style and the Hawks struggled to adjust when things weren't going their way.
As for what fans can expect in 2026, D'Ambrosio offered an enticing promise: "We're really looking forward to playing with a bit of excitement and with a bit of flair next year. We're hoping to excite the fans and get them all on board."
To listen to the full interview, click HERE.
