Opening Round kicks off on Thursday and the pre-season has provided plenty of answers, but certain questions can't be answered until the real stuff starts.

Zero Hanger has outlined a topic likely to garner plenty of discussion at each club in the first month of the season.

9Hawthorn Hawks

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Connor Macdonald of the Hawks celebrates 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 Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Connor Macdonald of the Hawks celebrates 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 Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Who gets the extra midfield minutes?

There was already plenty of talk about Hawthorn's midfield in 2025 and after failing to land Zach Merrett in the trade period, it put great responsibility on youngsters to step up. That was amplified by Will Day's pre-season injury which will rule him out until mid-season. Jai Newcombe is also set to miss Round 1 with suspension, putting further strain on the midfield depth. Connor MacDonald has spent plenty of time training with the midfield group in pre-season, Josh Ward showed a lot in last year's finals series, Henry Hustwaite has been dominating the VFL, Harry Morrison played a role in his first full year at AFL level last year, Cam McKenzie has plenty of tools and Nick Watson is keen for more midfield minutes. The Hawks desperately need for one of them to take a big step forward and start the season with a bang. 

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