Breakout player for 2026

[ppphawk]

We’re all excited for the Hawks in 2026 and predictions are coming in fast and flashy.

Time to put it on the line and make a call on who you think will step up and break out this year.

The idea here is you vote on a player before the start of the first pre-season game, then we see who actually steps up in a meaningful way.

To help define this better, I’m defining break out as taking a measurable step from a previous career best season. This naturally means accomplished players like Sicily and Gunston will have a harder time to breakout because they have already been a jet in previous seasons.

How will it be measured? This needs discussion but some ideas (noting all have limits are):

• insta-win: achieving a brownlow, Coleman or norm smith medal
• New to achieving AA selection
• Movement up the ranks in the PCM from their previous best
• Achieving a materially higher DT/SC score
• Out pacing previous coaches award heights

Let me know your thoughts. Ideally we have something we can track through the season which doesn’t suit all the metrics above.

Rules:

• 1 vote per person (no hedging your bets)
• Can only see the results post voting (to avoid group think)
• I’ll allow you to change votes in case your player gets injured and to start dialogue sooner (noting this rule is not ideal tor the
• Voting closes prior to our practice match with WB
• Big footy only allows 30 selections so have removed the draftees. Not sure if this is the best idea, open to suggestions.

 

[threesixpio]

Ward/Butler

 

[fairdinks]

although I was a little disappointed in his 2025 campaign, I still feel CMac has the highest upside of those players as most others have already displayed top end performances.

I get Rozee type level or even a Zac Bailey

33

Zac Bailey

Age

26

Ht

181cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.7

3star

K

6.9

3star

HB

5.9

4star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.2

4star

CL

0.9

3star

D

12.9

3star

K

7.3

3star

HB

5.6

3star

M

3.9

4star

T

2.4

3star

CL

0.7

3star

D

13.4

4star

K

6.6

3star

HB

6.8

5star

M

3.2

4star

T

2.8

5star

CL

0.6

3star

if he stays more forward and puts on a bit more size/strength.

Edit: very excited by the Wiz' ceiling as well, but its Cmac for me in 2026.

You know, form, ability and performance are such variable things, I could also see CMac playing some games at Box Hill IF he can't go to the next level.

 

[Buttonsticher]

Gunners to kick 100+. Got high hopes for this kid, think he's a keeper.

 

[MazHawk]

As many know I've been a huge fan of Josh Ward for a while now, but for the puposes of this poll I'm tipping Sam Butler because I think he has all the tools and more importantly the drive to become a best-22 player this year.

Internally we rate him very highly and don't forget we drafted him before Croc so we know the attributes we want are there, and after the way he's battled back through enormous hardship to force himself into the team I think we could expect big things from him in 2026.

More power to you Sam.

 

[Sixpence]

Gotta go with my boy, Wardy.

 

[moginie]

Gotta go with my boy, Wardy.

Yeah, I'm with you. And we need him to have the breakout year to give our midfield that extra edge.

 

[extractasam]

Going to say Mabior to take his game another level in ‘26.

24/25 is the first time he’s put together 2 full seasons back to back at AFL level. I think with Lewis/Dear back the natural thought is his output might reduce but I feel like he’s a big part of our forward cohesion now. 50+ goal year is very doable and would be a great return

 

[hfc70]

Rules:

• 1 vote per person (no hedging your bets)

Ward/Butler

Started well

 

[ppphawk]

As for me, from the training reports and photos ward has come back in prime nick. Given his late season form I think he has what it takes and the opportunity to become more consistently damaging from the midfield.

I know Ginni has come back in top nick also, however I can’t quite work out in my head how he takes his game to the next level.

 

[MightyHawks]

Wizard

 

[threesixpio]

Started well

I voted Ward in the proper votey thing

 

[Foomtball]

Head says Ward, heart says Calsher

 

[Baz_hawk]

Butler for me, Worpel out opens the door for him to be a key part of our midfield and after a full preseason to work on his craft and get his leg right after the break and rehab he's been through.

Has great defensive skills, strong tackler and if he can just improve his offensive game could be a big year for him.

Honorable mentions to Ward, who I think will have a big year but also felt this year was a breakout for him that went under the radar. And also Noodle or Ramsden thanks to the extended bench change.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

I've gone with Ginni.

He's been very good the last two years he's been with the Hawks but i feel he has the the potential to put in a 20+ disposal 1+ goal season in 2026 which would put him up with the elite half forwards in the comp.

That's the kind of year that could get him into the AA squad.

 

[marklar]

I've gone with Mackenzie, he's really coming of age and experience to start ripping games apart. We saw what Ward could do last year, the midfield needs him up and about in a similar way this year.

 

[Argy]

I voted Butler. His broken leg has delayed the start to his career but his time in the system gives him a great platform for fast development from here on in.

 

[Big Hotdog]

Massimo is a sleeper... has put some work into his rig and the strength will pay dividends. Bellisimo

 

[Roddy]

I’m rooting so hard for Calsh to succeed it hurts.

 

[TONYC3163]

Lewis, will complement other forwards.

 

[burger09]

Jack Gunston

19

Jack Gunston

Age

34

Ht

193cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

15.5

4star

K

10.5

4star

HB

5.0

4star

M

5.7

5star

T

2.2

4star

G

1.9

5star

D

10.6

3star

K

8.0

3star

HB

2.6

2star

M

4.3

4star

T

1.7

3star

G

1.6

5star

D

11.2

3star

K

7.0

3star

HB

4.2

4star

M

3.2

4star

T

2.6

4star

G

0.6

3star

.

Should go close to kicking 100 goals on his current trajectory.

 

[dixyland]

I voted for The Wiz. I see him making his first All-Australian team in 2026.

 

[OhhhhhCyril]

Left field option, I think Moore might surprise. I think he plays his best football when he goes into the midfield, and we saw glimpses last year. I think if he spends more time he can take his game to a whole new level.

Also Calsh to go bananas with a full pre season.

 

[DearJai]

Dear, Ward, Butler.

Writing on the wall for Ward, but Calsher was well on the way too pre injury. Butler showed enough improvement last year to suggest that a big run of games in the ones will see him come on even more.

Throw a blanket over a handful of others too. And who knows what the draftees might do if they've given a chance. At least one already has the tank.

 

[grumbleguts]

I've gone with Ginni.

He's been very good the last two years he's been with the Hawks but i feel he has the the potential to put in a 20+ disposal 1+ goal season in 2026 which would put him up with the elite half forwards in the comp.

That's the kind of year that could get him into the AA squad.

Not sure a 20 disposal season with 1 goal is gonna do him or us any favours.