AFL Supercoach 2026: Hawthorn Hawks 2026 Squad Analysis

Hawthorn looms as one of the biggest contenders for the premiership again this season, after falling to Geelong in the preliminary final last year.

Sam Mitchell’s side made a big play to try and land Essendon gun Zach Merrett throughout the trade period, but ultimately weren’t prepared to give up what the Bombers were asking for in a deal.

Therefore, the Hawks looked to the draft to reinforce their list, but perhaps the biggest talking point of their pre-season so far has been the shoulder injury to star midfielder Will Day.

Day is set to be unavailable for the first half of the year, further denting Hawthorn’s midfield stocks after the departure of James Worpel to Geelong.

Elsewhere, defenders Jai Serong and Changkuoth Jiath departed for the Swans and Dees respectively in search of greater senior opportunities, while veterans Luke Breust and Sam Frost called time on their careers.

So, how far can the Hawks go in 2026? You’d imagine there’s some natural internal growth given the age of their list profile, but they do seem a star or two short through the middle of the ground.

Let’s take a look at the Hawks’ SuperCoach prospects for the upcoming season.

Become a member of the SC Playbook community by subscribing for less than $2 per week! Gain access to additional premium articles on site every week, our Whatsapp community, prize money and plenty more. Check it out here.

Predicted Round 1 starting team

FB: Blake Hardwick, Tom Barrass, Josh Battle

HB: Karl Amon, James Sicily, Jarman Impey

C: Massimo D’Ambrosio, Josh Ward, Josh Weddle
HF: Dylan Moore, Mitch Lewis, Jack Ginnivan
FF: Nick Watson, Mabior Chol, Jack Gunston
FOLL: Lloyd Meek, Jai Newcombe, Conor Nash

I/C: Connor Macdonald, Jack Scrimshaw, Cam Mackenzie, Calsher Dear, Harry Morrison

Analysis: The Hawks are going to need others step up in the on-ball group this year, after Worpel’s departure and Day’s injury. Connor Macdonald has spent significant minutes training as a midfielder during pre-season, while Josh Weddle looks like he’ll be used in a variety of roles again this year.

How Mitchell selects his tall stocks will be interesting. There are four forwards with genuine credentials, while ruck Ned Reeves will also press his case for a game in Opening Round given the changes to the ruck and sub rules. The likes of Finn Maginness, Sam Butler and Max Ramsden are others around the mark of the best 23.

Embed from Getty Images

Fixtures

Round 1: Essendon (A)

Round 2: Sydney (H)

Round 3: Bye

Round 4: Geelong (H)

Round 5: Western Bulldogs (H)

Byes: Round 3 & Round 14

Verdict: A tough start to the season for the Hawks, who take on the Giants in Opening Round as well. As a result of their tough start to 2026, the Hawks have a much softer draw in the latter stages of the season, specifically from round 17 onwards. Mitchell’s side share a round 3 bye with the Suns, Dogs and Swans and a round 14 bye with Fremantle, Carlton and Collingwood. 

Embed from Getty Images

LOCK

If I’m being brutally honest, the Hawks are probably one of, if not the most irrelevant side when it comes to SuperCoach classic and as a result, I don’t think there’s any ‘lock’ for the Hawks. Jai Newcombe ($516,900 MID) has just been announced as co-captain and had an outstanding finals campaign in 2025 and will need to shoulder plenty of responsibility through the midfield this year. Could he break into SuperCoach’s top echelon? I’m not convinced, but I think he’s a decent SuperCoach Draft option.

Elsewhere, Connor Macdonald ($381,100 FWD) is garnering some attention as a mid-priced forward given he’s been lighting up Hawthorn match simulations as an on-baller. A talented junior, Macdonald is one who could help to fill that gaping hole in the midfield group, but I think there are some less speculative mid-pricers, such as Sam Flanders and Adam Treloar, that I prefer at this stage. Nonetheless, keep an eye on the role in the upcoming practice games. 

Embed from Getty Images

POINT OF DIFFERENCE

It’s worth reiterating again that I don’t really advocate for the selection of any of these Hawthorn players, but one player who could be a nice point of difference to start the year is Dylan Moore ($469,900 FWD). Moore is another who could see an increased midfield load in 2026, given his elite work rate and endurance.

A crafty forward who loves to impact the scoreboard, Moore averaged 86.8 points per game last year, but prior to that had three years averaging over 91 and is currently in less than one per cent of teams. It’s unlikely he’d be a knockout pick in Classic, but I think he’s well worth a look in Draft formats. 

Embed from Getty Images

CHEAPIES

Midfielder Ollie Greeves ($99,100 MID) is currently in over 12 per cent of teams at the time of writing, but I’d be surprised if he makes a debut early in the year. I think it’s far more likely that Mitchell lets him complete an apprenticeship at Box Hill in the VFL before being exposed to AFL footy.

Keep an eye on Sam Butler ($197,000 MID/FWD), who was a strong contributor late last year for the brown and gold. His job security is pretty shaky, but his tackling and intensity certainly caught the eye last year.