This one feels a little different
Is an incredible season about to get even better?
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If you’re reading this, there is a very high probability you have been following this incredible Hawthorn team through the tougher times, and you haven’t just hitched your footballing wagon to Hokball as it arrived at your station.
Earlier this week I was reflecting on this season and it really hit home just how remarkable this Hawthorn comeback story has been. There were obviously some promising signs in 2023, especially in the second half of the year, but even the most optimistic supporter (🎵 It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me 🎵) could not have predicted this. And we didn’t. At our pre-season Panel Show, every Insider on the panel had the Hawks staring down the barrel of another bottom four finish and a high end draft pick.
Disappointingly, these pre-season forecasts began to play out, with the Hawks starting the season 1-6 after seven rounds. This included hidings from Melbourne and the Gold Coast and a heartbreaking loss to 2023 premiers Collingwood. The Hawks found themselves at a bit of a crossroads, give up the ghost and focus on player development or knuckle down and start collecting the wins.
The Hawks found their season turning point in a hard-fought victory against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium in Round 8, where never-say-die type attitude first emerged. This sparked a resurgence that saw them climb from the bottom of the ladder into finals contention.
Under the guidance of the ‘genius’ that is Sam Mitchell, and superbly led by captain James Sicily, the team showed incredible resilience over the remainder of the season, with only three losses (including two of them by a combined total of three points) in that period.
How did we get here?
The Hawks were flying and they had conjured up a perfect blend of players to deliver what Mitchell had planned out. There were the veteran leaders to guide and shape the team, and Luke Breust, Jack Gunston and Sam Frost delivered far more than what was expected.
They were complimented by seasoned players like Jack Scrimshaw, Dylan Moore and James Worpel, who consolidated and then took their respective games to a whole other level, taking this team along with them.
When you then add in the new recruits in Massimo D’Ambrosio, Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan, who injected a youthful exuberance and brashness to the side, it felt like the Hawks were cooking with gas.
Very clearly, the highlight of the Hawks season to date was last Friday night’s Elimination Final victory over the Western Bulldogs. This young group, without one of their spiritual leaders in Will Day, dominated the Dogs across the ground and walked away from their first final in six years with a 37-point win, securing a spot in the semi-finals.
The Hawks now prepare to face Port Adelaide in tonight’s semi-final, looking to extend their fairytale season and pushing the boundaries of every Hawthorn fans wildest dreams.
This one feels a little different, though (I)
Maybe it’s because tonight marks Dylan Moore’s 100th AFL game? This achievement is a testament to his remarkable journey from the brink of being delisted to becoming one of Hawthorn's most influential players. Initially overlooked and struggling for consistent form early in his career, Moore has transformed himself into a key figure for the Hawks.
His mental toughness and will to fight saw him rise from the AFL scrapheap to not only secure his place in the team but become vice captain in 2024.
Moore’s hard work and consistent performances earned him All-Australian honors, a reflection of his importance to the Hawks as one of their most reliable and versatile players.
His leadership, both on and off the field, has been crucial in guiding the club through their rebuilding phase, and his 100th game marks a significant personal milestone in what has already been an impressive career
This one feels a little different, though (II)
Tonight is also the night we recognise Luke Breust’s 300th AFL match. What a player. Breust’s milestone is a celebration of an extraordinary career built on perseverance, skill, and leadership. Starting as a young, skinny rookie on Hawthorn’s list, Breust worked his way into the team, quickly proving himself as a versatile and crafty forward.
His remarkable rise saw him become a three-time premiership player during the Hawks’ golden era in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Over the years, Breust has earned two All-Australian selections and led Hawthorn’s goal kicking on five occasions, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous small forwards.
Known early in his career, and late in his career for his uncanny ability to impact games as the ultimate "super sub", Breust’s leadership has been invaluable to Hawthorn’s young players, both on and off the field, he provides guidance to the next generation of Hawks as they navigate the start to their own respective AFL journeys.
This one feels a little different, though (III)
Maybe it’s because this is a Hawthorn team approaching a Semi Final as favourites. This is despite the Semi Final being interstate and against an opponent that finished in the top four. Wild.
The Hawks have earned this favoritism though, with the team dismantling a red hot Western Bulldogs in last Friday night’s Elimination Final and the Power reeling off the back of an 80-point hammering at home in the Qualifying Final last Thursday.
Whatever it is that makes this one feel different, and whatever happens from here, season 2024 has been an incredible ride. Tonight is another opportunity for this Hawks team to show the football world exactly what they’re made of, and it’s another opportunity for Hawthorn fans to enjoy and appreciate the remarkable rise of this incredible side.
Join us after tonight’s final siren in a special HI Safe Space LIVE on X (Twitter) to debrief, revel, vent - whatever the case may be!
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It has been an amazing season. To get to this point really shows great resilience as much as anything else. The fact it is such a young group maybe perversely explains it. They have little self doubt. Hopefully that persists tonight.
I must admit that I had this season down as another one where we improved but would be receiving an early draft pick. But the players have been the best argument for believing that our time is now and this side will just get better and better in the years to come. This is the start of a brand new journey and even if we are unsuccessful tonight it will be a hopeful gaze looking forward that next year its not just lets break into the top 8 its lets make the top 4 and give ourselves a second chance and home finals. Great article Daniel. Its my first season as a Hawks Insider and look forward to gladly paying my yearly subscription in 2025.