HAWTHORN’S rapid transition from its rebuild phase to be a genuine contender is no better exemplified by its position in this year’s AFL Draft. A rampant trade period sees the Hawks poised to enter this year’s event in the second round, having laid claim to top 10 picks in every intake since 2019.

>> FREE: View the 2024 AFL Draft Guide

2024 RECORD: 7th, 14-9, 118.5% | Eliminated: Semi Final
2024 PICKS: 33, 70, 75
FUTURE PICKS: CAR R1, CAR R2, HAW R4, WCE R4
ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: 

FIRST PICK:
Pick 33

The second round is a handy place to be in this year’s draft, particularly with key position depth in mind. While nicely poised to strike up a trade using Carlton’s future first and second round selections, the Hawks could well hold position and either pick up a slider, or target a long-term tall talent for depth.

Hawthorn would have gotten a fair impression of how local prospect Christian Moraes stacks up. The versatile, hard-running midfielder trained at the club and made a single VFL appearance with Box Hill. His father’s Brazilian roots had him pegged as a possible NGA choice, but that was not to be.

Outside of the array of possible medium utility types, dynamic key position options are likely to feature prominently within the Hawks’ hitting zone. Perhaps Kayle Gerreyn will appeal as a promising forward/ruck with senior experience. His father Chris was listed by Hawthorn in the 90s.

Along similar lines, Thomas Sims may be available and offers similar grunt to go with athletic upside. His ability to kick bags of goals could be what Hawthorn needs to support its key forward stocks long-term. Otherwise, James Barrat has the swagger to suit ‘Hokball’ and can play at either end.

Other talls who may pique Hawthorn’s interest include Charlie Nicholls and Noah Mraz. The former is quick off the mark and plays mainly as a high forward with stints down back, while the latter had his year ruined by a navicular injury but returned for the combine and impressed with his running ability.

REMAINING CROP:

Much of the focus in Hawthorn’s draft haul surrounds pick 33. Ironically, the long-term can be looked after there while the short-term is covered down the line. NGA nominee Cody Anderson is a readymade talent primed to land at the Hawks’ new home in Dingley ahead of next year.

The rough-and-tumble midfielder thrives on the defensive side of the game and while work can be done on his ball use, he will help support the Hawks’ emerging engine room stocks. A best case scenario would see him slip through to Hawthorn’s final pick, though he has some suitors in the 40-60 range.

Perhaps, then, the Hawks lean on their hand of future picks to ensure they can match a bid for the robust on-baller. The club is only expected to make two selections and has already added two player to its Cat B rookie list in Matt Hill and Jaime Uhr-Henry, with veteran Jack Gunston also set to be rookie listed.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will Hawthorn trade Carlton’s future picks to enhance their 2024 hand?
– Is key position depth on the radar with pick 33?
– Where will a bid land for NGA prospect Cody Anderson?