Pass mark for Hawthorn in 2026

[Dewyyyyy]

View attachment 2515798

Already a good player. Perhaps he is Leigh Matthews Mk2, perhaps he isn't.

If you think he’s reaching anywhere near his ceiling or potential already you’re being silly.

He still has the next big step of playing genuinely good midfield minutes as a CBA mid through rotation. Whilst then still being mainly a forward. Keep his class and pressure forward, get his pace and smarts around the ball.

 

[Seattle Mariners]

10th with a wild card finals loss.

 

[Mr.X]

Anything less than a GF appearance would be considered a disappointment

They were the most dangerous team coming into finals and always looked like a threat

It’s a side on the edge of greatness

 

[amazingjoshy]

+50 free kicks for the year. Anything less would be disappointing

 

[BuddysBiggestFan]

At the moment we suck

Pretty much have the same team as last year so don’t know how we are meant to improve especially in the guts

 

[Osho]

Saw Sam Mitchell at a food shop on Glenferrie road. Then by chance saw him an hour later at Woolies. He looked bloody hungry. His bowed legs are getting more so.

I asked him why tf he was following me around and he made some strange gesture intimating I was a smackhead.

I wish him well. I think he'll go places in 2026.

 

[Elixuh]

Groks gameplan might need some new inputs. Not looking great right now.

 

[Gavin Excell]

Their midfield other than Newcombe is bereft

 

[boncer34]

Their midfield other than Newcombe is bereft

Should've bought in some A grade talent.

 

[Maxabillions]

Should've bought in some A grade talent.

You just feel like they’re missing a classy user in the midfield and maybe a bit of leadership

 

[Gavin Excell]

Not sure Ward and Mackenzie are any good
I mean theyre nice, neat and competent
But they arent game changers

 

[Chip Scab1]

Not sure Ward and Mackenzie are any good
I mean theyre nice, neat and competent
But they arent game changers

Surely that puts to bed all this nonsense that their rebuild is over and they're actually good.

They topped up to make Prelims, that sort of shit worked for North 12 years ago.

Essendon saved themselves a fortune by missing out on Weddle.

 

[aussierulesrules]

At the moment we suck

Pretty much have the same team as last year so don’t know how we are meant to improve especially in the guts

Looks like you’re trying out a few guys in there that might be able to move the needle, but that of course robs you of their output in their previous position, so it might be a catch-22 situation.

Worpel and CJ played 20 games each last year and you didn’t replace them with anyone of note, so you’re largely relying on a lot of internal improvement, and not getting many injuries.

You really really really need Day back and firing. Otherwise, you may struggle to emulate last year’s prelim appearance.

 

[AlwaysHawks15]

Looks like you’re trying out a few guys in there that might be able to move the needle, but that of course robs you of their output in their previous position, so it might be a catch-22 situation.

Worpel and CJ played 20 games each last year and you didn’t replace them with anyone of note, so you’re largely relying on a lot of internal improvement, and not getting many injuries.

You really really really need Day back and firing. Otherwise, you may struggle to emulate last year’s prelim appearance.

The intensity was sub standard tonight that was the main issue. Our midfield was ok. The ease in which they moved the ball is classic pre season mindset. I would be amazed it's replicated next week. I will be concerned we lose more midfield players though. McKenzie already out because of concussion and Newcombe may come under scrutiny. Would create a shambolic situation for next week's game if he is out as well with Ward and Nash the only permanent mids of note.

 

[SA HAWK]

I think we are a 6-10 team midfield is a huge weakness.

 

[Gavin Excell]

Surely that puts to bed all this nonsense that their rebuild is over and they're actually good.

They topped up to make Prelims, that sort of shit worked for North 12 years ago.

Essendon saved themselves a fortune by missing out on Weddle.

Think Weddle has a large upside though.

 

[Cyclops]

Have to agree its "win a final", although Mtchell could miss finals and keep his job, plainly a very good coach and well supported.

Very sad for Day. Hawks not star-reliant, have a very solid system and get great footy from some odd pieces.

Some sort of injury storm aside, they will make, and win, finals. Not sure they can roll Brisbane but thats a problem for all of us.

View attachment 2515798

Already a good player. Perhaps he is Leigh Matthews Mk2, perhaps he isn't.

Poor man's Ginnivan .

 

[Leeda]

At the moment we suck

Pretty much have the same team as last year so don’t know how we are meant to improve especially in the guts

Why,why,why,intuition is using the guts, I’m astounded at the….oops forgot my train of thought…we’ll get a prelim this year

 

[Dewyyyyy]

Think Hawthorn are still a top 4 quality side. Backline is one of the best if not the best. Forwardline is high quality and the midfield is good enough despite concerns. The talent is there, will just be how quickly can gel and cohesion come into it.

Brisbane have a gap on the rest of the comp, which is a general consensus.

 

[Maxabillions]

Groks gameplan might need some new inputs. Not looking great right now.

Grok’s the only option as Anthropic and OpenAI have drawn a line at being used by the US military, and I can only assume also at being used by Sam Mitchell

Trump orders US agencies to stop use of Anthropic technology amid dispute over ethics of AI

Department of Defense and artificial intelligence company were unable to reach agreement before deadline

www.theguardian.com

 

[Elixuh]

Grok’s the only option as Anthropic and OpenAI have drawn a line at being used by the US military, and I can only assume also at being used by Sam Mitchell

Trump orders US agencies to stop use of Anthropic technology amid dispute over ethics of AI

Department of Defense and artificial intelligence company were unable to reach agreement before deadline

www.theguardian.com

I’ve heard he will start using the verbal ai and wear some earphones during games to obtain strategy and advice (and player talking points on the go). Thought it was a bit weird that he set the voice to his own. But we wish him well.

 

[Sonny Hayes]

Not sure Ward and Mackenzie are any good
I mean theyre nice, neat and competent
But they arent game changers

Think Ward showed enough last year to show he is good, only 9 CBA's last night which i assume is so we can try others through the middle.

Mackenzie is still a watch to see what he will be.

 

[Farang83150]

Think Hawthorn are still a top 4 quality side. Backline is one of the best if not the best. Forwardline is high quality and the midfield is good enough despite concerns. The talent is there, will just be how quickly can gel and cohesion come into it.

Brisbane have a gap on the rest of the comp, which is a general consensus.

You should have watched yesterday's game.

 

[nineteen eighty]

Grok’s the only option as Anthropic and OpenAI have drawn a line at being used by the US military, and I can only assume also at being used by Sam Mitchell

Trump orders US agencies to stop use of Anthropic technology amid dispute over ethics of AI

Department of Defense and artificial intelligence company were unable to reach agreement before deadline

www.theguardian.com

Gemini’s take…


Hawthorn’s pre-season clash against the Western Bulldogs yesterday at Mission Whitten Oval was a reality check for a side with high expectations in 2026. While the list has been bolstered by some massive names, the 44-point loss (117-73) exposed some significant teething issues.

The List: 2026 Outlook​

• Defensive Rebuild: The additions of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle have turned the Hawks' defense into one of the tallest and most formidable on paper, though yesterday showed they are still learning each other’s patterns.
• Midfield Vacuum: The loss of James Worpel (Geelong) and a long-term shoulder injury to Will Day (out for the first half of the year) has left a massive hole in the engine room.
• Youth Movement: The "organic improvement" relies heavily on kids like Nick Watson, Calsher Dear, Josh Ward, and Cam Mackenzie taking the next step.
• Forward Depth: On paper, a trio of Mitch Lewis, Mabior Chol, and Jack Gunston is potent, but yesterday they struggled to stay involved when the ball wasn't delivered perfectly.

---

Yesterday’s Performance vs. Western Bulldogs​

• Failing the "Connection" Test: The Hawks struggled to transition the ball from defense to attack. Long patches of play saw them trapped in their back half or having forward entries easily intercepted.
• Efficiency Crisis: Despite 53 inside-50s, the Hawks converted just 20.8% into goals. Forwards coach Adrian Hickmott was vocal post-match about the line "not working hard enough."
• Ruck Struggles: Tim English dominated the air and the ground, outpointing Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves, which gave the Dogs a "silver service" start from the center.
• Injury & MRO Clouds: Cam Mackenzie suffered a head knock and will be monitored, while co-captain Jai Newcombe is facing a nervous wait from the MRO for a dangerous tackle on Ed Richards.

---

Where They Need Improvement​

• Forward Line Work Rate: The "big three" (Lewis, Chol, Dear) need to find ways to impact the game when the delivery is poor. They were largely unsighted yesterday and lacked the defensive pressure required to lock the ball in.
• Midfield Accountability: Without Day and Worpel, the midfield group looked thin. Josh Ward and Connor Macdonald need to provide more two-way running to support the defense when the opposition gains momentum.
• Defensive Synergy: Barrass and Battle are elite, but there was visible indecision deep in the backline. They need more minutes together to decide who peels off and who stays at home.
• Winning the Source: If Meek and Reeves can't neutralize elite rucks like English, the Hawks' midfield will continue to play on the back foot. They need to improve their follow-up work at ground level after the hit-out.
• The "Wizard" Factor: Nick Watson showed flashes of brilliance, but the Hawks need to ensure they aren't relying on "party tricks." Finding a balance between his X-factor and team-first structures is key.

Not sure which language Sam uses…may need to try a few and see which one gives him the best results.

 

[Rusty Brookes]

Shows how good AI is. Dear unsighted - yeah, well he didn't play. English dominating Reeves - at what, given he didn't play either. Barrass not connecting with Battle - sensing a pattern here. I'm amazed it didn't mention that we were missing Peter Hudson