Following the conclusion of another hectic, fast-finishing home and away season, it's time to prepare for finals football once again.
While eight teams' hopes of holding this year's premiership cup aloft remain alive, ten clubs' seasons are officially over after failing to qualify for September football.
Despite all the attention rightly being on the contenders, each bottom-ten side faces pertinent list management decisions that will shape its future.
Taking into account draft hands and off-contract commodities, we explore those impending decisions facing 2023's bottom ten.
Hawthorn
Indicative draft hand: 3, 29, 48, 77
Despite finishing 16th on the ladder in 2023, there were plenty of positives for the Hawks during the year. From the young talent around the ground to the electric gameplan from coach Sam Mitchell, the Hawks look set for a big future.
With four draft picks, the main standout is clearly Pick 3. Whether they use that pick to move up the draft is yet to be known, however, expect them to draft someone rather than move it on in a trade.
Off-contract players:
Joshua Bennetts, Lachie Bramble, Tyler Brockman, Fergus Greene, Emerson Jeka, Jacob Koschitzke, Ned Long, Josh Morris, Fionn O'Hara, Brandon Ryan, Jai Serong, Chad Wingard
The big name here for the Hawks is veteran forward Chad Wingard. The ex-Power star had a solid campaign for Hawthorn in 2023 before suffering a ruptured Achilles in Round 22's loss to the Bulldogs.
At 30 years of age and after having an injury-riddled run since moving to the Hawks in 2019, Wingard could be on his way to a third club if his deal isn't renewed at Waverley. Additionally, key forwards Fergus Greene and Jacob Koschitzke remain without a contract. The pair of them haven't been able to play consistently at the Hawks but as they're both young, new deals could be headed their way.
Youngster Tyler Brockman and 25-year-old Lachie Bramble are another pair who have featured in and out of the side throughout the year. Brockman seems likely to head to another club whilst Bramble could find a position in the young Hawks midfield.
List decisions
Moving Chad Wingard on seems to be the right call for the Hawks. As the future of Hawthorn is in the youth at the club, moving on the 30-year-old would be the next step. As harsh as it is on Wingard, re-signing someone with his injury issues and lack of impact for most of his time at Hawthorn just doesn't make a lot of sense.
A key forward to help Mitch Lewis would really assist the Hawks. Port Adelaide forward Mitch Georgiades still remains without a contract and could be a potential trade target for Hawthorn. With plenty to give and the opportunity to play senior AFL consistently, Georgiades may be a possible option.
Additionally, signing another defender to take some of the pressure off skipper James Sicily would be a good move. Whether it's out-of-contract Cat Esava Ratugolea, Roo Ben McKay, Don Brandon Zerk-Thatcher or making a trade, a defender would help. Whilst the Hawks would most likely draft a player with Pick 3 or use it to improve their draft hand, there's a potential option to target a player in the off-season.
The only part of the Hawks team that seems set is the midfield. The young stars are phenomenal and the future of Hawthorn is looking very bright.
