What's in their favour? The precocity of youth, youth that has now tasted finals football and is clearly destined to experience more of the same over the next few years. A strong midfield is a big plus, new skipper Sam Mitchell and his deputy Luke Hodge the standouts, but Brad Sewell, now a best and fairest winner, Jordan Lewis, Chance Bateman, Ben McGlynn and the evergreen Shane Crawford provide top quality support. Former Port Adelaide premiership player Stuart Dew could also play a role from a wing, another Hawk with a thumping kick in a team full of them. Goalkicker Mark Williams is also back after losing most of last season to injury.
What's not? The third-youngest list in the AFL has lost considerable experience over the off-season via the retirements of former captain Richard Vandenberg, Ben Dixon and Joel Smith, leaving team leadership, Crawford aside, in very young hands. Hawthorn's backline is still a potential Achilles heel, another key position defender required to help stem the tide of goals against winning opposition midfields and the taller forward lines. Lack of experience could also make it harder for coach Alastair Clarkson to ward off any complacency that could come following the Hawks' major strides last season.
Stepping into the spotlight? Many young Hawks have been rolled off the production line over the past few seasons, but there are still plenty more to come. Mitch Thorp, Beau Dowler and Travis Tuck have been given barely a taste of senior football yet, and Josh Kennedy, Jarryd Morton and 2007 draftee Cyril Rioli none at all. All are highly rated. Grant Birchall and Xavier Ellis look well placed to take another leap in their senior development.
In their wildest dreams? The young Hawthorn machine continues its progress and development, the stars staying on their feet and in form, Lance "Buddy" Franklin staying level-headed, the kids who made major gains last year taking another step, and the batch of novices mentioned above keeping the pressure on their senior peers. The Hawks should have made the top four last year. Greater riches still are not beyond them this season.
The reality? There's a sense of destiny about this group under the coaching of Alastair Clarkson, but like any relatively inexperienced outfit, there will still be some major reality checks along the way. Injuries to key backmen could really stretch the Hawks' senior depth, but nothing less than a top-four berth should be the goal in 2008.
ROBERT WALLS 4th The Hawks are on track. Coach Alastair Clarkson has them hungry and fit and ready to be a top-four team after rising from 14th to sixth over the past three seasons. With ''Buddy'' Franklin, Tim Boyle, Mark Williams and Jarryd Roughead up forward, they will kick some big scores.
ROHAN CONNOLLY 4th Loaded with youthful talent, a very solid and reliable midfield group, and the limitless talents of Franklin and the return of Williams up forward. The Hawks are still young, but have the potential to push for the ultimate right now.
