Seasoned stars like Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Brad Sewell are all in the twilight of their distinguished careers.
But while still very much a premiership contender in 2013, the season may also herald a year of regeneration for the brown and gold.
Just six rounds into the season, speedy midfielder Bradley Hill has become the second Hawk to claim a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination, following in the footsteps of teammate Jed Anderson in round three.
"I'm pretty honoured, it was a bit unexpected but I'm really excited to get it." Hill told AFL.com.au.
The 19-year-old and younger brother of Fremantle star Stephen Hill, was nominated after gathering 17 possessions and kicking two goals in the Hawks 11-point win over Adelaide.
"I was pretty happy with my performance and it was probably the best game I've played along with round one against Geelong," he said.
After playing five matches in his debut season in 2012, Hill hasn't missed a game in 2013.
Coach Alastair Clarkson is delighted with Hill's development following a strong off-season.
"Bradley's hard work in the pre-season has been rewarded with him featuring in all six games this year, and we're pleased with how he's developing and maturing as a player," Clarkson said.
"It is a great feature of our team that young players such as Bradley, along with Jed Anderson and Taylor Duryea, have all contributed to the side with solid performances this season."
Pre-seasons can be tough on young minds and bodies but when you have outstanding athletic ability like Hill, it can make those arduous summer months just that little bit easier.
And those extraordinary talents made selectors sit up and take notice at the 2011 NAB AFL Draft Combine.
Not only did Hill achieve the highest beep test result on record, reaching a mark of 16.1, he also won the 3km time trail, finished fifth in the 20m sprint and placed tenth in the 30m repeat sprint test.
"I've always been a good runner and competed in a lot of cross country events, so my endurance has always been up there," he said.
Recruited from West Perth with pick 33 in the 2011 NAB AFL National draft, Hill was picked up from the airport by one of his heroes when he first arrived in Melbourne.
"Cyril Rioli was always my favourite player growing up and it was weird when I first met him as I didn't say much in the car on the way home." Hill laughed.
"He and Shaun Burgoyne have really helped me settle in and they talk to me all the time about my footy."
Living with a host family since his arrival at Waverley, Hill loves life in Melbourne, even though he misses family and friends in Perth.
"Cathy the lady I live with helps me out a lot; she teaches me how to cook and how to look after myself," Hill said.
That stable home environment allows Hill to concentrate on his footy and the plan for remainder of 2013 is pretty simple.
"Hopefully I can keep improving and keep my spot in the team," he said.
