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...
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
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