Preview '23: Who kicks the goals?
In the next of our 2023 season previews, our Insiders answer the question: Who will be our leading goal kickers this season - particularly in the absence of Mitch Lewis?
Ahead of the opening round game against the Bombers on 19 March, we bring you a series of 2023 season preview articles. From the best first year players to a prediction for where we will finish on the ladder, get ready as we crystal ball all the burning questions.
One of the biggest question marks over the Hawthorn class of 2023, is just where will all of our goals come from and how functional can our forward line be?
After losing Jack Gunston this season to Brisbane and with Mitch Lewis set to miss a chunk of the start of the year, the question remains even more pertinent.
So ahead of round one, our Insiders are back crystal balling to state who they think will kick the most goals for the club this season, and which players will be next in line behind them.
Danny Prins
Luke Breust – 35 goals
I don’t know how anyone can bet against Luke Breust in the light of Mitch Lewis’ injury. Breust is a model of consistency, and I expect that to continue into 2023.
He will be ably supported by Chad Wingard, Dylan Moore and Mitch Lewis, but Breust has the experience and tools to be Hawthorn’s leading goal kicker again, which if successful,  would be the third time in his career that he achieves the feat.
I’m backing in Wingard to finish second in the goal kicking after a strong preseason, with Mitch Lewis edging out Dylan Moore for third place, mainly due to Moore’s increased midfield minutes in 2023.
Brad Klibansky
Luke Breust – 35 goals
'Fingers crossed Mitch Lewis only misses the first month of the season because our forward line is in for a world of pain this season.
The make up of the forward line is going to be a fascinating watch all season with spots up for grabs.
Jacob Koschitzke will get the first crack early on, but will under pressure from the likes of Emerson Jeka and Caleb Serong if he doesn’t perform.
My top three in order will be:
Luke Breust (35)- Now our most experienced player and still one of the games crafty and best small forwards. With Lewis out at least the first month of the season, I expect Breust to lead our goal kicking this season.
Fergus Greene (26) - After dominating at Box Hill last season and Jack Gunston departing for the Lions, we gave Greene a AFL lifeline. He looks ready to go and will play most of the season. He has a great kick for goal and should be able to play the Gunston role well.
Dylan Moore (23)- I expect Moore to mirror his 2022 season and average a goal a game. Whilst he will spend time in the midfield, he is still a very classy forward that seems to always kick goals.
Simon Morawetz
Luke Breust - 28 goals
I am expecting Luke Breust to again win this year’s goal kicking award, with Jacob Koschitzke and Chad Wingard set to finish on the podium.
Andrew Weiss
Mitch Lewis - 43 goals
So much depends on just how much football Mitch Lewis can play, because 14-15 rounds from him would still be enough to claim this gong.
That being said, the safe bet would be on Luke Breust, Fergus Greene or Dylan Moore to all kick around the 30+ goal mark.
But I am going to go out on a limb and despite the early season hiccup, I still think Mitch can slot through around 40 goals to lead our goalkicking charts.
I think that Greene can surprise the footy world and kick 35 goals or more this year, and am expecting Punky to round out the top three with another 30+ season.
Ashley Browne
Luke Breust - 41 goals
Luke Breust (41 goals) - The only thirty-something Hawk entering the season, Breust will have his quiet weeks as he always does. But he’ll have his weeks where he kicks three or four goals and teaches the young fellas a few tricks.
Mitch Lewis (30 goals) - Backing him in for a round six return and two goals a game once he’s back.
Fergus Greene (30 goals) - OK, he’s no Jack Gunston, but he can find the goals.
In the next preview article for 2023 we look at which players we think will make the leap from ‘good’ to ‘great’.
Follow Hawks Insiders on Twitter and Facebook and make sure to download the Substack app to stay across all HI updates.