In a nutshell

The 0-5 start was disastrous, but the Hawks remodelled their game plan, turned to youth (by necessity, because of injury) and rallied so well they briefly became part of the finals race. 

Have your say: Give your season verdict on the Hawks using the form at the bottom of this article.

What we said in the pre-season  

We nailed Swans recruit Tom Mitchell as our 'sudden impact' player and tipped a ladder tumble – albeit to seventh, rather than 12th. It was sketchy from there. We were too bullish about Jaeger O'Meara's and Jack Gunston's prospects, and underrated the defensive stocks in the event of a James Frawley injury, as eventuated. 

What worked 

Belatedly blooded youth and successfully entrusted big roles to several players who started the season with single-digit senior games under their belt. Ryan Burton was a breakout star, James Sicily transformed from inconsistent forward to defensive jet, and Dan Howe's midfield education was fast-tracked. Tom Mitchell's recruitment proved genius. 

What failed

Jaeger O'Meara's debut season top of the list, but that deal must be judged in its entirety. Alastair Clarkson's decision to recreate his backline with one-time forwards was inspired, but Hawthorn was impotent in attack at times. The return of some wounded Hawks will shuffle the line-up again and provide a boost there. It mistakenly took an 0-5 beginning to trigger the youth push. 

Overall rating: C+

Hawthorn overestimated its list and paid an early price, but made an impressive mid-season recovery to salvage some positivity.

The coach

The man's a master, and the inventive way he steered the season back on track was commendable. But Alastair Clarkson must wear some of the blame for the 0-5 black eye that left the Hawks playing catch up. Learned to trust youth again, something that should serve him well in the rebuilding process. Re-signed last year until the end of 2019. 

The leaders 

Jarryd Roughead had a baptism of fire in his maiden season as captain, after spending last year beating cancer. Took a while to get going on field, but finished the season in a flurry, including five goals in round 23. Roughead's predecessor Luke Hodge was outstanding. Josh Gibson and Cyril Rioli failed to reach past heights before respective injuries ended their campaign prematurely. 

MVP

Tom Mitchell: A prolific debut season in brown and gold for a player who could finish on the Brownlow Medal podium. Broke the VFL/AFL season disposals record with an obscene 787 (35.8 per game), including 326 contested.

Surprise packet

Dan Howe: Showed promise previously, but his reputation skyrocketed when he switched from defence to become the resident tagger. Competently took on the likes of Rory Sloane, Scott Pendlebury, Dylan Shiel, Joel Selwood, Nat Fyfe, Josh Kennedy and Dustin Martin.

Get excited

Ryan Burton: The smooth-moving South Australian started the season in the VFL, but will likely be the NAB AFL Rising Star by week's end. Composure in spades, an elite kick and capable of playing anywhere. Sky is the limit.

Disappointment

Jaeger O'Meara: Harsh, but fair. The Hawks gave up plenty for a potential superstar who hadn't played since 2014. The 23-year-old had everyone excited in the pre-season, but bone bruising in his problematic right knee ruined his year. Finished strongly, but only six matches is a letdown by anyone's definition.

Best win

Round 14: Hawthorn 14.12 (96) def Adelaide 12.10 (82)

Clarkson's men returned from the bye reinvigorated, but few externally gave them any hope against the high-flying Crows. Hawks young and old combined for a mighty victory on the road that sparked their mini-revival.

Low point

The Hawks' 0.3 opening half against Port Adelaide in round 11 was humiliating and the worst in their history, a week after a brave victory over Sydney in the Harbour City.

The big questions

Can Jaeger O'Meara play a full season?
The former Sun's ability to overcome or at least manage his constant knee problems will play a major role in whether the Hawks quickly ascend the ladder.

Was the mid-season revival a false dawn?
The doom and gloom that descended on Waverley Park in the first five rounds dissipated the longer the season went, but there is still some convincing to do.

Are there enough future stars in the young crop?
Burton is a tick, O'Meara already is if he's fit and Sicily has star quality, too. But how many of Billy Hartung, Howe, Blake Hardwick, Tim O'Brien, Kaiden Brand, Teia Miles, Kieran Lovell and co. can join them?

Season in a song

Ooh La La – Ronnie Lane (I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger) 

Premiership window

Just ajar: In Clarko, we trust

Who's done?

Retirements: Luke Hodge, Josh Gibson, Jack Fitzpatrick, Luke Surman
Delistings: TBC
Unsigned free agents: Taylor Duryea

How should they approach trade and draft period?

If the Hawks learned anything from this year, it is they must invest in youth. Their first draft pick is currently the Giants' second-rounder, and they should at least hang onto that – if not try to move up with an appropriate offer. 

Early call for 2018

There is still reason to be hesitant about the Hawks' fortunes next season, but a finals return is certainly achievable. 

Hawk fans: what's your season verdict?

Share your views via the form below and we'll publish the best responses on Sunday, September 10. 

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Read more

• The Wash-Up: more season reviews