Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: Hawthorn Hawks

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... Defenders Hawthorn's stellar defensive unit will be unlikely to be shaken in 2026 following dominant years for their star recruits. Tom Barrass will insert himself deep in defence while the versatile Josh Battle will look to back up a maiden All-Australian campaign. James Sicily will also be a lock, despite being dealt scrutiny for his underwhelming play to begin last year. He's arguably Hawthorn's most important player, given his leadership and stout defensive instincts, which pair perfectly with Barrass and Battle. [caption id="attachment_163981" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Tom Barrass of the Hawks in action during the 2025 AFL Round 02 match between the Carlton Blues and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 20, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] The pace and foot skills of Jarman Impey and Karl Amon won games for Hawthorn in 2025 and play a pivotal role in their transitional attack from the defensive half. Meanwhile, the unsung Blake Hardwick will be tasked with shutting down the slippery livewires of the opposition. On the outer are a few players yet to debut in addition to Bailey MacDonald, who managed six games in 2025, but all came as the substitute. However, those AFL reps could help take his game from half-back to another level and make him first in line to replace an injured defender, should his impressive form at VFL level continue this year. Midfielders Following the failed trade attempt for Zach Merrett, there is a clear opening in the middle for a young Hawk to take grasp of. It will be assumed that, fully healthy, Will Day will be guaranteed a spot in the middle, as will September star Jai Newcombe and ruckman Lloyd Meek, though Ned Reeves may place pressure on the solid big man, given his greater athleticism which could thrive under the new ruck contest rules. So, who permanently fills James Worpel's place in the inside midfielder role? One would imagine Josh Ward would be first in line after a career-year, averaging career-best figures in contested possessions, clearances and tackles. [caption id="attachment_171252" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Josh Ward of the Hawks looks dejected after a loss during the AFL Second Preliminary Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 19, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Don't count out Cam Mackenzie, however, who will be hoping to prove his worth after Hawthorn refused to use him as a trade piece in discussions with their archrival. It will come after a year of plateau for the 22-year-old, now required to prove he is a consistent A-grade talent. Sam Butler will be thereabouts too, starring with defensive intent following his return from injury in Round 13 last year, and impressing massively in September action. 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. [caption id="attachment_168093" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Mabior Chol of the Hawks celebrates kicking a goal during the AFL Elimination Final match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Hawthorn Hawks at ENGIE Stadium on September 06, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)[/caption] 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. Best 23 FB: James Sicily, Tom Barrass, Blake Hardwick HB: Jarman Impey, Josh Battle, Karl Amon C: Josh Weddle, Josh Ward, Massimo D'Ambrosio HF: Jack Ginnivan, Mabior Chol, Dylan Moore FF: Nick Watson, Mitch Lewis, Jack Gunston FO: Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, Will Day I/C: Calsher Dear, Connor MacDonald, Harry Morrison, Cam Mackenzie, Jack Scrimshaw Stiff to miss: Sam Butler, Bailey MacDonald, Ned Reeves, Conor Nash

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: Hawthorn Hawks

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