AFTER failing to land a major trade coup in Essendon captain Zach Merrett, Hawthorn is left with a pair of first round selections heading into the National Draft. The Hawks made a splash with two finals wins from eighth this year, and now have the opportunity to add to their exciting young list.

>> 100+ PROFILES: View the 2025 AFL Draft Guide

2025 RECORD: 8th H&A | 15-8 | 120.9% | Eliminated: Preliminary Final
2025 PICKS: 10, 22, 62, 76
FUTURE PICKS: ’26 R1, ’26 R2, ’26 R3, SYD ’26 R3, MEL ’26 R4 | ’27 R1, ’27 R2, ’27 R3, ’27 R4
ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Nil.

FIRST PICK:
Pick 10

Hawthorn is poised beautifully within the first round, capable of snapping up a slider out of the top 10 or drafting for list needs. Although, pick 10 as it stands will be pushed back at least four spots with early bids on Zeke Uwland, Dylan Patterson, Harry Dean, and Daniel Annable, and Hawthorn could well shop their first-rounders to other clubs.

On the side of sliders, perhaps Dyson Sharp gets through Essendon’s picks. The South Australian captain would be a readymade replacement for James Worpel having produced a sparkling junior career. He was this year’s Larke Medallist and shapes as one of the most bankable midfielders available.

If not Sharp, another strong candidate would be Sam Grlj, who has been linked to Richmond. The run-and-gun speedster is nearly impossible to lay a hand on and has a competitive edge to his flair-based game. He could slot into the role left by Changkuoth Jiath with eyes on becoming a midfielder in time.

Along similar lines, perhaps Oskar Taylor is a suitable fit. He’ll be in high demand among the teen picks with GWS said to be among his likely landing spots. The Hawks have had great success with left-footed half-backs, so that winning formula also brings the likes of Jacob Farrow and Josh Lindsay into play.

Another outside option is Lachy Dovaston, who made his VFL debut with Hawthorn affiliate, Box Hill this year. The livewire small forward is one who works up the ground, tackles, and consistently scores. Imagine a forwardline pairing between him and Nick Watson – scary stuff.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 22, 62, 76

Hawthorn could make between two to four selections at the draft, and depending on how the cards fall, may be busy on the phones during night one. In the scenario the Hawks maintain both first round picks, Oliver Greeves is a name which has been heavily linked as a likely slider at 22.

Having tried and failed to gain first dibs on Greeves via Next Generation Academy eligibility, the Hawks could well opt to select him in the open draft. He may be the inside midfielder they’re looking for, blending size and clean extraction work with his class in the attacking phase.

If not Greeves, maybe the likes of Taylor and Harley Barker will still be available as those outside running types. Another attacking-minded wingman like Cameron Nairn is also in Hawthorn’s hitting zone, capable of doubling as a high forward with his running power and aerial ability.

Another suitable option for the Hawks is key defender Blake Thredgold. Pure tall backmen are few and far between in this draft, so the South Australian will be in high demand. Hawthorn could then sneak in just ahead of North Melbourne to land the athletic lockdown defender.

With their remaining hand, and depending on if they target a midfielder earlier, the Hawks could trade up into a range stacked with that type of player. The second-to-third round bracket is littered with onballers like Sam Swadling, Riley Onley, Fred Rodriguez, and Koby Coulson, while a developing key position player would not be out of the realms late in the piece, or in the rookie intake.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will the Hawks table their two first round picks?
– If not, will Hawthorn target a half-back and midfielder pairing?
– Will the Hawks add to their key position stocks?