Hawthorn has announced its 2025 squad, but the excitement around the new season is tempered by the news that three key players have been ruled out for the start of the campaign.
Hawthorn 2025 Squad (Possible List):
- Luke Breust – Forward
- James Worpel – Midfielder
- Conor Nash – Midfielder
- Josh Weddle – Defender
- Connor Macdonald – Forward/Midfielder
- Mitch Lewis – Forward
- Jarman Impey – Forward/Defender
- Jack Scrimshaw – Defender
- Sam Frost – Defender
- Blake Hardwick – Defender
- Will Day – Midfielder/Defender
- Ned Reeves – Ruck
- Max Lynch – Ruck
- Karl Amon – Wing
- Fergus Greene – Forward
- Seamus Mitchell – Defender
- Tyler Brockman – Forward
- Emerson Jeka – Forward
- Finn Maginness – Midfielder/Tagger
- Cam Mackenzie – Midfielder
- Henry Hustwaite – Midfielder (Emerging Talent)
- Jai Serong – Forward/Utility (Emerging Talent)
- Bailey Macdonald – Defender (Emerging Talent)
- Brady Grey – Midfielder (Emerging Talent)
- Denver Grainger-Barras – Defender
- Josh Morris – Defender
- Lloyd Meek – Ruck/Forward
- Tyler Brockman – Forward
- Jack O’Sullivan – Forward (Emerging Talent)
- Sam Butler – Forward
- Cooper Stephens – Midfielder
As the Hawks prepare for a season of rebuilding and development under coach Sam Mitchell, these injuries will force the club to dig deep and rely on its younger players to fill the void left by their senior stars.
Key Players Ruled Out
- James Sicily (Captain, Defender)
Hawthorn’s captain and star defender, James Sicily, will miss the early part of the season due to a knee injury sustained during the pre-season. Sicily has been a cornerstone of the Hawks’ defense, known for his intercept marking, leadership, and ability to set up play from the backline. His absence will leave a significant gap in the Hawks’ defense, placing extra pressure on the remaining backline players to step up in his absence. - Chad Wingard (Forward/Midfielder)
Dynamic forward Chad Wingard is also set to miss the start of 2025 due to a recurring ankle injury. Wingard, who brings creativity and flair to both the forward line and midfield, will be a huge loss for the Hawks. His ability to break lines, create scoring opportunities, and provide experience is invaluable. Without him, Hawthorn will need to find other sources of goals and midfield rotations to compensate for his absence. - Jai Newcombe (Midfielder)
Emerging midfield star Jai Newcombe has been ruled out for the first few rounds of the season due to a shoulder injury. Newcombe was a breakout player in 2024, becoming a key part of Hawthorn’s midfield setup. His tough, contested style and ability to win the ball in tight situations have made him one of the most promising young players in the league. His injury is a major setback for the Hawks, particularly with the midfield needing his presence early in the season.
Depth and Young Talent
Despite these setbacks, Hawthorn has added depth to its squad and continues to develop promising young talent as it builds toward the future. Coach Sam Mitchell will rely on a number of emerging players to fill the void left by these injuries, giving them a chance to step up and make an impact at the senior level.
Some key inclusions and players to watch in 2025 include:
- Josh Weddle: A developing defender, Weddle will likely be asked to take on a more prominent role in Sicily’s absence. His athleticism and ability to read the play will be crucial in stabilizing the backline.
- Connor Macdonald: Macdonald’s versatility in both the forward line and midfield makes him a key player in Wingard’s absence. He’ll need to provide creativity and goal-scoring options.
- James Worpel: Worpel will be called upon to lead the midfield with Newcombe out. His contested work and experience will be pivotal in driving the Hawks’ engine room early in the season.
Hawthorn’s 2025 Outlook
The injuries to Sicily, Wingard, and Newcombe present a significant challenge for Hawthorn, but the squad is full of young, emerging talent eager to prove themselves. Players like Weddle, Macdonald, and Worpel will be asked to step up, and the club’s depth will be tested in the opening rounds.
Hawthorn remains committed to its rebuilding phase, and while the loss of key players will be felt, it also provides opportunities for younger players to gain experience and grow. With a blend of youth and seasoned leaders, the Hawks will look to remain competitive and continue their long-term development under coach Sam Mitchell in 2025.
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