In a nutshell
History beckoned as Hawthorn tried to simultaneously regenerate its ageing list and fend off an improving chasing pack. The Hawks mastered close finishes to keep their bid for four consecutive flags on track, but a straight-sets finals exit was a sour ending.
What we said in the pre-season
The majority of AFL.com.au reporters expected the Hawks to secure a top-four spot, with many also tipping Alastair Clarkson's juggernaut to be playing off in a fifth consecutive Grand Final. It could've all ended so differently if Jarryd Roughead had been available and if Isaac Smith's after-the-siren shot had sailed through against Geelong.
What worked
Seven debutants were blooded and showed promising signs – Ryan Burton looks particularly impressive – while James Sicily stepped up in his second year with 30 goals. An undersized forward setup covered the absences of Jarryd Roughead and Ryan Schoenmakers to help secure the double chance, but couldn't fire on all cylinders in finals.
What failed
For a club with such lofty ambitions, not winning a fourth-straight flag and matching Collingwood's record will be viewed as a failure. Clarkson dismissed external focus on contested ball, however the Hawks were outhunted by the Bulldogs in the semi-final and need midfield reinforcements to give Sam Mitchell a hand.
Overall rating
B. It was a super effort to secure third spot on the ladder but a straight-sets finals exit was below expectations.
The coach
Most teams would be crippled without their two premiership-winning key forwards, but Clarkson still masterminded an attacking mix built on manic pressure from his trio of star smalls and it carried Hawthorn back to the top four. The four-time premiership mentor is contracted until 2019 and will be plotting how to adapt the Hawks' game-plan for a fresh tilt next season.
The leaders
After overcoming a fractured arm and knee surgery, Luke Hodge's strong form was rewarded with a one-year contract extension. The skipper is still the obvious leader but told AFL.com.au he is willing to hand the reins to Jordan Lewis if it's in the club's best interests. Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne and Josh Gibson will all deservedly go around in 2017.
MVP
Cyril Rioli. The superstar forward had to deal with his grandfather's illness and passing during the season but played 21 games and booted a career-high 47 goals. Sam Mitchell was superb, however Hawthorn's forward line would've been in desperate trouble without Rioli's pressure and nous around goal.
Surprise packet
Ryan Burton. The first-year tall was sent to have screws removed from his leg in April and his season was in doubt, but Burton debuted in round 21 against North Melbourne and kept his spot for the first final before suffering a calf injury. Seems a lock for the best 22 next year.
Get excited
Jaeger O'Meara. The Hawks will back themselves to get the wantaway Gold Coast star back on the park after two years battling serious knee issues. A fit O'Meara could make a huge difference to Hawthorn's midfield.
Disappointment
Jonathan O'Rourke. Two years after he was secured from GWS for a first-round draft selection, the former No.2 pick has failed to live up to the billing and played just nine games in brown and gold when the Hawks have been crying out for support in their engine room.
Best win
Round 17: Hawthorn 11.9 (75) def Sydney Swans 10.10 (70) at SCG.
Defending top spot on the ladder, the 'Houdini Hawks' escaped with yet another nail-biting win after a miraculous passage of play from a stoppage in the dying stages got the ball to Cyril Rioli, who kicked an ice-cold set shot to clinch the game.
Low point
The news in May that Jarryd Roughead's melanoma had returned and spread from his lip to four spots on his lungs flattened everyone. Roughead's health is much more important than football, but hopefully the star Hawk makes a full recovery and returns to the game.
The return of Jarryd Roughead's melanoma was the low point in Hawthorn's season. Picture: AFL Photos
The big questions
Can the Hawks land their trade targets without giving away too much?
Will Jarryd Roughead overcome his cancer scare and return to football?
Will Father Time catch up with ageing warriors Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne and Josh Gibson next year?
Season in a song
The Times They Are A-Changin' – Bob Dylan
We say: These Hawks won't go quietly.
Who's done?
Retirements: TBC
Delistings: TBC
Unsigned free agents: Nil
How should they approach trade and draft period?
The Hawks will be major trade period wheelers and dealers. Gold Coast's Jaeger O'Meara wants to get to Waverley and Swans ball magnet Tom Mitchell is likely to follow. Any offer for free agent Ty Vickery could yet be matched by Richmond, which would then also require a trade to be brokered. Speedy wingman Bradley Hill will probably request a move back to WA, but the Hawks might also need to move on another established player or two to land their trade targets.
Early call for 2017
Alastair Clarkson has rubbished talk about the end of Hawthorn's premiership era and if the Hawks secure O'Meara, Mitchell and Vickery they should be back in the flag mix.
