At the conclusion of the 2016 AFL season, the Hawthorn Hawks made one of their biggest calls in recent history. They allowed club stalwarts Jordan Lewis (Melbourne) and Sam Mitchell to leave the club, with many labelling the decision as a look to the future.

Beginning of the end?

After two consecutive losses to begin the AFL season, many fans and pundits are beginning to question… Is this the beginning of the end for one of football’s most successful dynasties? With last season’s semi-final loss to eventual premiers the Western Bulldogs, the possible starting point.

In short, the beginning of the season is not what many Hawthorn supporters are used to. Not only on the field but also off it. Over the past few years, Alistair Clarkson’s side have long been talked among those teams set to be vying for a place on Grand Final day. But this time around, things changed in the off-season. While many still believe the Hawks will be in action during September, it is hard to predict the influence they are set to have come that time of the season.

New recruits

From the outside looking in, the early signs have not been good. But it is not the club’s new recruits that have provided the worry. The ever reliant Josh Gibson has endured a slow start to the season. On a number of occasions, former players have noted him misreading the game. An area he has become an expert in recently.

Luke Hodge made his first appearance of the season in round two after a club imposed suspension. Far from the perfect start to the season. His leadership and experience is set to be tested this year, as a number of youngsters aim to stake their claim for a regular place in the starting 18.

But away from the negatives there is positive for this Hawthorn Hawks side.

Youngster Ryan Burton earlier this week was announced as the round two nominee for the NAB Rising Star award.

There’s been a changing of the guard at Waverley prior to the beginning of the 2017 season. Following the arrivals of what the Hawks hope to be their midfield pillars for the next 10 years in Tom Mitchell from Sydney and Jaeger O’Meara from the Gold Coast. While key forward Tyrone Vickery arrived from fellow Victorian club Richmond.

Tom Mitchell

Mitchell showed off his ball-winning ability in the opening round loss to Essendon with 37 disposals before backing it up against Adelaide last weekend. He collected another 38 disposals. While the 23-year-old may not have the class of his namesake Sam, his ability to win the contest ball is a big plus point for Clarkson’s coaching staff. With the club ranking 11th in the competition in that area in 2016.

Jaeger O’Meara

O’Meara who is undoubtedly one of the most talented footballer’s in the country when he is fit, made a slow start in the brown and gold with 23 disposals. Missing a number of opportunities in front of goal to put further scoreboard pressure on the Bombers. He also showed his ball winning ability against the Crows with 36 disposals, despite 30 of those being handballs. O’Meara is sure to be developing the confidence in his body, having been sidelined with injury in the previous two seasons. So it may be a while before he is at his best.

Ty Vickery

Vickery, is quite possibly the recruit with the biggest question mark over his head. During his time as a Richmond player, he was often the source of frustration for many of the club’s supporters. But he has shown positive signs in his first two games as a Hawk. He may only have one goal to his name but just like any other player at a new club, he needs time.

Don’t write off the Hawthorn Hawks

In a year where so many questions are being asked, Hawthorn will need to show patience. The club’s new faces need to be given time to adapt to their new surroundings, new game style, new culture if they do indeed want to be successful.

All of that is sure to come along quickly. So we can not be too quick to write off Hawthorn who quite often peak at football’s most important time.

by Brayden May – contributor