Draft Mega Preview: Part 1

It's decision time for the Hawks as the Draft approaches, but first: what will they do with pick 10?

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All options are open as Mark McKenzie and the Hawks ponder how best to strengthen the list and balance the Hawks short, medium and long term list needs, writes HI’s recruitment guru DANNY PRINS.

As the 2026 AFL Draft approaches, Hawthorn enters the first night with a clear sense of opportunity and strategy. Holding picks 10 and 22 (before bids), along with selections 62 and 76 on night two, the Hawks are poised to add 2–3 players to their list while also promoting James Blanck from the rookie to the primary list.

This year’s draft is set to make history as the longest first round ever, with Hawthorn’s current pick 22 closing out night one, that pick could end up anywhere from 25-30 based on the bids that are placed through the round.