The 2025 season was another year of growth for the Hawthorn Hawks, building on their meteoric rise in 2024 with an improved record of 15-8 and a preliminary final appearance.
2026 looms as a test for the club, however, as their midfield stocks have, on paper, taken a dip with the departure of key inside midfielder James Worpel and the failed chase of Essendon star Zach Merrett in the 2025 trade period.
According to midfield coach David Hale, two players made notable improvements in 2025 that may not have received the credit they deserved, and with their expected progression next year, could become key pillars to Hawthorn's build toward premiership glory, even with a disappointing off-season thus far.
The midfield duo? Harry Morrison and Massimo D'Ambrosio.
Morrison had arguably his most consistent year to date in 2025 before a late-season quad injury struck him down, averaging 17.4 disposals at 76% efficiency and 4.0 score involvements across Hawthorn's first 20 games of the season.
Hale told Hawthorn Media that Morrison's progression into a consistent winger brought a 'level of calm' to Hawthorn's attack and believed his presence could be paramount to another successful campaign in 2026.
"Harry Morrison had a really good year. He came back in really good condition in pre-season and played a good chunk of the year, but unfortunately got injured at the wrong time," Hale said.
"He was quite disappointed about missing out on the Finals series, but he should be really proud of his year.
"He was really consistent and reliable on the wing and took his game to another level. He played every week up until Round 21, so we were really rapt with his progression this year.
"The guys around him trust what he does. He brings a level of calmness to our playing group, so hopefully he'll come back and put himself in a similar position again."
Hale similarly reflected on D'Ambrosio, whose willingness to learn and improve his game contributed to a consistent fourth season at AFL level.
D'Ambrosio registered 18.2 disposals, three fewer than his 2024 best, but averaged a career-high 380.6 metres gained per game.
Defensively, Hale has seen growth in the 21-year-old and believes that could be a key element of his game in 2026 to elevate his impact at the contest.
"Massimo had a consistent year. He's one of the first guys that comes in and goes through his tape and vision," Hale said.
"He'll be the first to admit at times he was frustrated with his impact on the games.
"However, parts of the game we wanted him to work on, he has shown progression in this year, in terms of his defensive side.
"His pressure and tackling in the contest were something we worked on with him a lot. He's still only 21, but it feels like he's been around a long time, so we know he's got a lot of scope to continually improve. This year will certainly be a stepping stone for him moving into 2026."
Hale also noted the ruck depth Hawthorn could build strongly with into next year to join the development of their engine room, as Ned Reeves continued to prove himself as an AFL-calibre talent despite limited senior opportunities behind Lloyd Meek.
While it's unlikely that Reeves has the same ceiling of potential impact as the prior two emerging midfielders, his dominance at state level could see him be rotated into the senior side more regularly in 2026.
"Ned had a really good year. It was frustrating for him not to be able to play AFL a lot," Hale said.
"The two rucks is not a strategy many teams use, but his VFL development this year was something we were really proud of. His impact at those games, not only in hitouts, but aerially [was impressive].
"He took good marks in the forward half, which is something we worked on a lot. He ended up in the VFL Team of the Year, which is a huge accomplishment.
"We have great confidence 'Noodle' can play and slot in at any time, and depending on what happens next year, he'll be an important player for us."
The 2026 season is still a fair way away, but if the Hawks trust their development systems that have quickly established fellow midfielders Jai Newcombe and Will Day as stars of the game, it's not crazy to consider they'll manage without Worpel as D'Ambrosio and Morrison take the next step in their careers.
