AFL.com.au reporter Ashley Browne has attempted to pick the Hawks' best 22 for 2016.

He's made three changes to the 2015 premiership team, due to the retirements of Brian Lake and David Hale, and the departure of Matt Suckling.





B: Taylor Duryea, James Frawley, Ben Stratton

HB: Grant Birchall, Josh Gibson, Shaun Burgoyne

C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill

HF: Liam Shiels, Ryan Schoenmakers, Cyril Rioli

F: Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust

Foll: Ben McEvoy, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis

I/C: Jon Ceglar, Paul Puopolo, Angus Litherland, Billy Hartung

DEPTH

Key-position defenders: Kaiden Brand, Kurt Heatherley, Luke Surman*

General defenders: Lachlan Langford*, Teia Miles, Matt Spangher

Key-position forwards: Jack Fitzpatrick, Tim O'Brien, Shem-Kalvin Tatupu*

General forwards: Ryan Burton, Blake Hardwick, Jermaine Miller-Lewis*, James Sicily, Dallas Willsmore

Midfielders: Conor Glass*, Daniel Howe, Will Langford, Kieran Lovell, Jonathan O'Rourke, Kade Stewart*, Zac Webster, Brendan Whitecross, Alex Woodward*

Rucks: Marc Pittonet

Hawthorn's best 22 in 2016 – if there is such a thing in modern football – will need three changes to the premiership team of this year, with the retirements of David Hale and Brian Lake and the departure of Matt Suckling.

Jon Ceglar is the obvious Hale replacement and like Hale can play in the ruck or as a tall forward.

Mobile defender Angus Litherland has amply demonstrated he can play at the level and takes the Suckling role, albeit without the exquisite kicking skills, while Billy Hartung seems a logical inclusion as well.

Having four on the bench and no subs is a great outcome for Hartung with his elite-level pace and endurance.

Will Langford will be next in line along with Jonathan O'Rourke for the midfield slots.

Ryan Schoenmakers' excellent finals series inked him a new contract and a place in the best 22, but the Hawks will hope 2016 is the year Tim O'Brien emerges as a viable key forward option. Full-back Kaiden Brand is nearly ready as well.





*Rookie-listed player





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