2022 Numbers:
Points Against (Brennan Jakovich Shield): 1991 - 15th
Inside 50's Against Per Goal: 4.23 - 12th
Scarlett Silvagni Medal Votes: 44 - 9th
Defenders:
Keys: James Blanck, Sam Frost, Denver Grainger-Barass, Emerson Jeka, James Sicily, Josh Weddle
General: Lachlan Bramble, Will Day, Blake Hardwick, Jarman Impey, Changkuoth Jiath, Bailey Macdonald, Josh Morris, Fionn O'Hara, Jack Scrimshaw
In: Bailey Macdonald, Josh Weddle
Out: Kyle Hartigan (delisted)
In 2022, Hawthorn started the season on fire, defeating 2021 preliminary finalists Port Adelaide and Geelong, and winning three of their first five games.
From there, they fell away from the pack dramatically, and it was clear they were set for a poor year. Surprise wins against Brisbane and Gold Coast were highlights, but their 13th-place finish reflected where a lot of people saw them finishing.
And then came the fire sale.
Kyle Hartigan was the only defender to be put on the chopping block, but elsewhere on the ground it seemed nobody was safe. Experienced players Howe, Mitchell, O'Meara, and Phillips were all traded or delisted, as Sheils and McEvoy retired, leaving the Hawks very young and inexperienced heading into 2023.
A defender was made captain in James Sicily, and he looked to be relishing the role, in a near-best-on-ground performance in their pre-season match, while mid-season draftee James Blanck looks a more than suitable replacement for Kyle Hartigan.
A fully fit Changkuoth Jiath will be crucial to Hawthorn's season, and they looked much better in games where both he and Sicily were in the side in 2022.
Look to Denver Grainger-Barass and Jack Scrimshaw for improvement this year, as Hawthorn looks to avoid finishing in the bottom four for points against again in 2023.
Back Pocket Rating: F