Hawthorn built upon their stellar rise into premiership contention from 2024, winning one more game in the home-and-away season and going one week further into September.
Another September appearance beckons for Hawthorn in 2026, but they'll be hoping to find themselves inside the top four for the first time under Sam Mitchell's tutelage to give themselves the best chance at a Grand Final appearance.
The Hawks' list will remain largely the same in the new year but face depleted midfield stocks following a failed chase for Bombers star Zach Merrett and the departure of James Worpel.
With all of that in mind, let's take a look at what Hawthorn's best 23 might look like...
Forwards
Hawthorn were a good scoring side in 2025, ranking seventh for points scored, but fans will be itching to see more from their emerging crop of talent in 2026 given the club's extreme reliance on 34-year-old Jack Gunston this year.
Dylan Moore will play a role in that as a dynamic connector from half-forward, while utilising the likes of Mabior Chol and the developing Calsher Dear at a greater volume is key to bettering the attack, with the tall pair almost a certainty to feature in all 23 home-and-away fixtures.
The growing production from Nick Watson, Jack Ginnivan and Connor MacDonald continues to excite, while a fully healthy season from Mitch Lewis could be a difference maker, given his capabilities to kick at least two majors per contest.
On the outer is Max Ramsden, an improving member of the forward depth chart who has strong aerial capabilities. However, it's unlikely he'll feature at senior side regularly in 2026 unless injuries force the hand of Sam Mitchell.
