Opinion 2026 wish list

[BlueWaterHawk]

My mental meanderings post PF loss have been around ways we can improve, so I thought I'd put it out there for you all.

What I'd like to see coming into next year:

• Improved clearance ratios - goes without saying, there will be personnel changes of course but I'm hoping to see improvement from the youngsters. Ward, McKenzie and Buttler all have potential to step up another level.
• Day on the park consistently. Move heaven and earth to get his foot right.
• Weddle to become a dominant player.
• Team's maturity in their ability to absorb pressure and attain / hold territory during these periods.
• Strength over the ball. IMO this is an area Geelong really controlled the PF, they rarely lost their feet, and moved the ball to advantage to find a free player. This ties in with the first point.

Love others to add their thoughts.

 

[Dewnior]

Improve our our ability to quell oppo momentum and not leak multiple consecutive goals.

 

[HeHateMe]

2nd, Strength over the footy, both Geelong and Brisbane have beaten us up in that area.

 

[HairyO]

Lay tackles that stick. If feels like we miss easily 2 times as many as all our opponents.

 

[ahhhhhh]

Pertracca and Merret

 

[OhhhhhCyril]

1. Established A Grade Midfielder (s?)
2. A fit and healthy Will Day
3. Natural improvement from players like Ward, Mckenzie, Butler, Lewis
4. Develop a plan when Midfields dominate through clearance and stop the onslaught (looking at Anderson and Rowell ect )

 

[BlueWaterHawk]

2nd, Strength over the footy, both Geelong and Brisbane have beaten us up in that area.

Lay tackles that stick. If feels like we miss easily 2 times as many as all our opponents.

I'm hoping this is a maturity thing, but historically Hawthorn seems to play a bit lighter than these two teams. I don't know my perception is correct, but it always feels that way. Finding a balance between size, speed and endurance will be the challenge for our fitness staff.

 

[RoughysMullet]

Midfield issues are problem 1A but thought at times we struggled to hold teams with multiple quality small forwards - seemed to improve when Hardwick went back…

Also our forwards can do a better job of pressuring to hold the ball inside our forward 50… think our overall defensive pressure game needs to lift another gear…

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Well for starters we have to improve this below, or not let it be a thing in pressure games. Our ball handling was iffy at times in 2025, and it needs to improve. We were bottom 6 for 2025 in regards to 1st possession becoming a clearance.



Our rebound 50 rate is top 3 in the comp and our intercept possessions top 2, so we have done a lot right defensively. Add to this that we are the number 1 team for defensive 1v1 loss% and 2nd for defensive pressure acts.
What has dried up in our defensive end is our run and drive. I think we were sat on the closer we got to finals, and that our transition suffered.
For example, over the 2025 season we were rated 5th in the compm for scores from kick ins. Filter down to the last 10 games, and we were 17th.

It might surprise people to know we are below league average for ground ball gets in the F50, and I think that marries up with our intent for another small with pace and pressure(Butler?). 4th for tackles inside 50, 2nd for loose ball gets, but also 5th for groundball gets around the ground. We are doing a lot right it must be said.

We are bottom 4 for Hardball gets, but top 5 for contested possessions. 5th for Loose ball gets and 5th also for uncontested possessions. I think this is how we intend to play at this point. We don't want a contested game, we look to space, we look to get the ball on the outside and we like to play uncontested footy on our terms.

Bottom 6 for centre clearances(10th for stoppage clearances). Below league average for total clearances. This is a clear deficiency we need to address which we all know about.

3rd in the comp for marks inside 50, and 2nd for Marks inside 50 per Inside 50 and to add fuel to my point that I will get to, is that we are also top 5 for Scores from centre clearance.

In summary, and surprising no one, we need to improve in the middle.
We can score well from centre clearance, but we don't give ourselves enough chances to do so when we are bottom 6 for winning them.
Our potency inside 50 is a strength, but we also have improvement to be found when it comes to winning the ball on the deck.
A mid/forward hybrid is a necessity to my eyes, which we pretty much all already know. Someone who can win a clearance but also provide a marking option when resting forward.
The return of Day will also help with centre clearances, but he's likely going to be protected a little at times, so we need improvement regardless( 2 mids at trade week is pretty much a necessity IMO).

I'm not sure how we improve our ball handling at the stoppage, but whether its personnel or simply training more often with soapy footys it's a clear problem that I've observed, backed up by the stats.

Our midfield depth is a watch and we need to improve this too, but I still think Ward, MacKenzie and Butler can help out there.

Wishlist for 2026:
1-2 mids being added.
Marking forward.
Return of the speed and ground ball winning in the backhalf.
Another small forward.
Centre clearances.

 

[hawkmang]

Consistent umpiring and match review findings would be nice

 

[TONYC3163]

Consistent umpiring and match review findings would be nice

Let us focus on controlling the controllables.

 

[Blackhawk42]

Well for starters we have to improve this below, or not let it be a thing in pressure games. Our ball handling was iffy at times in 2025, and it needs to improve. We were bottom 6 for 2025 in regards to 1st possession becoming a clearance.



Our rebound 50 rate is top 3 in the comp and our intercept possessions top 2, so we have done a lot right defensively. Add to this that we are the number 1 team for defensive 1v1 loss% and 2nd for defensive pressure acts.
What has dried up in our defensive end is our run and drive. I think we were sat on the closer we got to finals, and that our transition suffered.
For example, over the 2025 season we were rated 5th in the compm for scores from kick ins. Filter down to the last 10 games, and we were 17th.

It might surprise people to know we are below league average for ground ball gets in the F50, and I think that marries up with our intent for another small with pace and pressure(Butler?). 4th for tackles inside 50, 2nd for loose ball gets, but also 5th for groundball gets around the ground. We are doing a lot right it must be said.

We are bottom 4 for Hardball gets, but top 5 for contested possessions. 5th for Loose ball gets and 5th also for uncontested possessions. I think this is how we intend to play at this point. We don't want a contested game, we look to space, we look to get the ball on the outside and we like to play uncontested footy on our terms.

Bottom 6 for centre clearances(10th for stoppage clearances). Below league average for total clearances. This is a clear deficiency we need to address which we all know about.

3rd in the comp for marks inside 50, and 2nd for Marks inside 50 per Inside 50 and to add fuel to my point that I will get to, is that we are also top 5 for Scores from centre clearance.

In summary, and surprising no one, we need to improve in the middle.
We can score well from centre clearance, but we don't give ourselves enough chances to do so when we are bottom 6 for winning them.
Our potency inside 50 is a strength, but we also have improvement to be found when it comes to winning the ball on the deck.
A mid/forward hybrid is a necessity to my eyes, which we pretty much all already know. Someone who can win a clearance but also provide a marking option when resting forward.
The return of Day will also help with centre clearances, but he's likely going to be protected a little at times, so we need improvement regardless( 2 mids at trade week is pretty much a necessity IMO).

I'm not sure how we improve our ball handling at the stoppage, but whether its personnel or simply training more often with soapy footys it's a clear problem that I've observed, backed up by the stats.

Our midfield depth is a watch and we need to improve this too, but I still think Ward, MacKenzie and Butler can help out there.

Wishlist for 2026:
1-2 mids being added.
Marking forward.
Return of the speed and ground ball winning in the backhalf.
Another small forward.
Centre clearances.

Out of curiosity, if you think we need another small forward, who do you believe becomes expendable?

Our current collection of small forwards are often exhilarating, offer different strengths and all have plenty of development left, perhaps outside Dylan Moore.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Out of curiosity, if you think we need another small forward, who do you believe becomes expendable?

Our current collection of small forwards are often exhilarating, offer different strengths and all have plenty of development left, perhaps outside Dylan Moore.

Not really the thread for it. I think Wiz and Moorey are locked in and I'd like Butler to push his case. Competition for spots is not a bad thing at all.

 

[thehardway]

Well for starters we have to improve this below, or not let it be a thing in pressure games. Our ball handling was iffy at times in 2025, and it needs to improve. We were bottom 6 for 2025 in regards to 1st possession becoming a clearance.



Our rebound 50 rate is top 3 in the comp and our intercept possessions top 2, so we have done a lot right defensively. Add to this that we are the number 1 team for defensive 1v1 loss% and 2nd for defensive pressure acts.
What has dried up in our defensive end is our run and drive. I think we were sat on the closer we got to finals, and that our transition suffered.
For example, over the 2025 season we were rated 5th in the compm for scores from kick ins. Filter down to the last 10 games, and we were 17th.

It might surprise people to know we are below league average for ground ball gets in the F50, and I think that marries up with our intent for another small with pace and pressure(Butler?). 4th for tackles inside 50, 2nd for loose ball gets, but also 5th for groundball gets around the ground. We are doing a lot right it must be said.

We are bottom 4 for Hardball gets, but top 5 for contested possessions. 5th for Loose ball gets and 5th also for uncontested possessions. I think this is how we intend to play at this point. We don't want a contested game, we look to space, we look to get the ball on the outside and we like to play uncontested footy on our terms.

Bottom 6 for centre clearances(10th for stoppage clearances). Below league average for total clearances. This is a clear deficiency we need to address which we all know about.

3rd in the comp for marks inside 50, and 2nd for Marks inside 50 per Inside 50 and to add fuel to my point that I will get to, is that we are also top 5 for Scores from centre clearance.

In summary, and surprising no one, we need to improve in the middle.
We can score well from centre clearance, but we don't give ourselves enough chances to do so when we are bottom 6 for winning them.
Our potency inside 50 is a strength, but we also have improvement to be found when it comes to winning the ball on the deck.
A mid/forward hybrid is a necessity to my eyes, which we pretty much all already know. Someone who can win a clearance but also provide a marking option when resting forward.
The return of Day will also help with centre clearances, but he's likely going to be protected a little at times, so we need improvement regardless( 2 mids at trade week is pretty much a necessity IMO).

I'm not sure how we improve our ball handling at the stoppage, but whether its personnel or simply training more often with soapy footys it's a clear problem that I've observed, backed up by the stats.

Our midfield depth is a watch and we need to improve this too, but I still think Ward, MacKenzie and Butler can help out there.

Wishlist for 2026:
1-2 mids being added.
Marking forward.
Return of the speed and ground ball winning in the backhalf.
Another small forward.
Centre clearances.

I'm sure the coaching staff would love Newk to play this role as he meets all the criteria - Can win the hard ball, excellent mark, and long accurate kick. Unfortunately, with our midfield problems, we can't afford to play him down there. With the addition hopefully of Day and Merrett/Petracca Newk could be very damaging in the forward line.

 

[bigmaxi]

Top four finish, a crunching mid-field, a fit Day and a pony please. The pony is for a friend.

 

[Since 2001]

Zach merrett is a must.

I dont think trac is coming to us. We need a james worpel

5

James Worpel

Age

26

Ht

186cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

23.5

5star

K

12.2

5star

HB

11.3

5star

M

2.9

3star

T

4.5

5star

CL

5.1

5star

No current season stats available

D

15.6

4star

K

6.2

3star

HB

9.4

5star

M

1.0

1star

T

3.2

5star

CL

1.8

4star

upgrade. I would look to:

I look at darcy parish

3

Darcy Parish

Age

28

Ht

180cm

Wt

81kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

20.4

5star

K

9.2

4star

HB

11.2

5star

M

3.2

3star

T

3.3

5star

CL

3.2

5star

D

16.6

4star

K

7.4

3star

HB

9.1

5star

M

1.4

2star

T

2.0

3star

CL

3.1

4star

D

22.2

5star

K

7.6

3star

HB

14.6

5star

M

3.2

4star

T

4.4

5star

CL

3.6

5star

, fresh start and better people around him, less money.......I wouldn't mind the risk.

Do you go clayton oliver

13

Clayton Oliver

Age

28

Ht

189cm

Wt

88kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

27.8

5star

K

9.5

4star

HB

18.4

5star

M

3.2

3star

T

6.3

5star

CL

6.3

5star

D

25.1

5star

K

11.1

4star

HB

14.0

5star

M

3.6

4star

T

5.6

5star

CL

5.9

5star

D

19.2

5star

K

4.6

2star

HB

14.6

5star

M

2.0

3star

T

4.4

5star

CL

3.8

5star

, same as parish situation.

Do you try sway a sam flanders with midfield time.

 

[Elhawko]

Well for starters we have to improve this below, or not let it be a thing in pressure games. Our ball handling was iffy at times in 2025, and it needs to improve. We were bottom 6 for 2025 in regards to 1st possession becoming a clearance.



Our rebound 50 rate is top 3 in the comp and our intercept possessions top 2, so we have done a lot right defensively. Add to this that we are the number 1 team for defensive 1v1 loss% and 2nd for defensive pressure acts.
What has dried up in our defensive end is our run and drive. I think we were sat on the closer we got to finals, and that our transition suffered.
For example, over the 2025 season we were rated 5th in the compm for scores from kick ins. Filter down to the last 10 games, and we were 17th.

It might surprise people to know we are below league average for ground ball gets in the F50, and I think that marries up with our intent for another small with pace and pressure(Butler?). 4th for tackles inside 50, 2nd for loose ball gets, but also 5th for groundball gets around the ground. We are doing a lot right it must be said.

We are bottom 4 for Hardball gets, but top 5 for contested possessions. 5th for Loose ball gets and 5th also for uncontested possessions. I think this is how we intend to play at this point. We don't want a contested game, we look to space, we look to get the ball on the outside and we like to play uncontested footy on our terms.

Bottom 6 for centre clearances(10th for stoppage clearances). Below league average for total clearances. This is a clear deficiency we need to address which we all know about.

3rd in the comp for marks inside 50, and 2nd for Marks inside 50 per Inside 50 and to add fuel to my point that I will get to, is that we are also top 5 for Scores from centre clearance.

In summary, and surprising no one, we need to improve in the middle.
We can score well from centre clearance, but we don't give ourselves enough chances to do so when we are bottom 6 for winning them.
Our potency inside 50 is a strength, but we also have improvement to be found when it comes to winning the ball on the deck.
A mid/forward hybrid is a necessity to my eyes, which we pretty much all already know. Someone who can win a clearance but also provide a marking option when resting forward.
The return of Day will also help with centre clearances, but he's likely going to be protected a little at times, so we need improvement regardless( 2 mids at trade week is pretty much a necessity IMO).

I'm not sure how we improve our ball handling at the stoppage, but whether its personnel or simply training more often with soapy footys it's a clear problem that I've observed, backed up by the stats.

Our midfield depth is a watch and we need to improve this too, but I still think Ward, MacKenzie and Butler can help out there.

Wishlist for 2026:
1-2 mids being added.
Marking forward.
Return of the speed and ground ball winning in the backhalf.
Another small forward.
Centre clearances.

Genuine question: What's the difference between a hard ball get and a contested possession? I would have assumed they were one and the same? How is a ball hard to get if it's not contested?

 

[Dewnior]

Another small forward.

Yep, we need an Elliot type.

The Hardwick trial ultimately failed because we realised he was way more important as a lock down defender. We also saw Impey go forward in second halves but he too was more important behind the ball.

Will Ryan come on as hoped or do we need to look for a ready made small/medium defender to free up Dimma or Impey? Or should we leave the defence settled and look for a young small to partner Wiz for the next 10+ years?

Some important decisions to be made.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Genuine question: What's the difference between a hard ball get and a contested possession? I would have assumed they were one and the same? How is a ball hard to get if it's not contested?

I'm not entirely sure, but have found these two definitions, which are strikingly similar.

• Hardball Gets: Hard ball gets. A disputed ball at ground level under direct physical pressure or out of a ruck contest, resulting in an opportunity to effect a legal disposal.
• Contested possession: A possession won when the player is under physical pressure from an opponent, or where the ball is won in a genuine contest.

 

[hawkman]

A premiership

 

[Lando_]

A premiership

Preferably against Geelong.

 

[kazzooka]

I'm not entirely sure, but have found these two definitions, which are strikingly similar.

• Hardball Gets: Hard ball gets. A disputed ball at ground level under direct physical pressure or out of a ruck contest, resulting in an opportunity to effect a legal disposal.
• Contested possession: A possession won when the player is under physical pressure from an opponent, or where the ball is won in a genuine contest.

From my understanding a loose ball get can be a contested possesion but not a hard ball get.

So you may be in a genuine contest to win the ball, but that contest involves running faster than them to the loose ball. Also taking a contested mark or winning the ball out the back in a marking contest is a contested possession.

Whereas a hard ball get the players are all in the vicinity and the ball is on the ground.

 

[hardway]

1.Hardwick to start the season and remain in defence .
2. Too many players did not reach the standards of 2024 and need to recapture that form at a minimum
3. Day to play a full season
4. Sam to bring some magic and get ahead of the curve and strike some fear into teams to try and contain our scoring power.

 

[Roddy]

Out of the midfielder names that are being thrown around, I'd prefer Trac over Zach. We need a contested bull in the middle, and Zerrett is close to the opposite of that.

 

[kazzooka]

What is actually very good about this 2025 season is we have a clear and obvious gap that we need to fix. Sometimes that's hard to identify. In 2007 we were lacking the small forward pressure and we got Rioli, Stokes and Dew to boost the forward half.

In 2011-2012 we saw that Schoenmakes was okay for probably 15 out of 20 home and away sides but couldn't handle being isolated against the brutes. So we got Lake and Spangher.

Under Sam we have turned over the midfield

In 2022 to get Newcombe, Day and Nash in there and make room for draftees.

In 2023 we added Gunston, Ginnivan, Chol, Dear, Watson to overhaul our forward line.

In 2024 we add Barrass, Battle to the backline AND got Mraz to sure up that area in the future.

This year we need to push really really hard to land Merrett, Petraca and do not give up on Walsh and Butters or heck go after Daicos, Ashcroft, Sheezel, Harley Reid.

Also move heaven and earth for Will Day.