IS ALASTAIR Clarkson about to deliver his greatest coaching masterstroke?
The fighting finish to last season has Hawks' fans believing their side can make an immediate return to finals. And fans aren't ruling out another cup in a cabinet loaded with four premiership trophies won under Clarkson in the past 10 seasons.
Though last year's 12th was Hawthorn's worst ladder finish since 2009, 87 per cent of fans predict the new-look Hawks will soar back into September action this season.
Injury-plagued recruit Jaeger O'Meara, who managed only six games in 2017, was nominated as one of the keys to Hawthorn's fortunes.
Giving their take on their side's 2018 prospects in AFL.com.au's pre-season survey, 27 per cent of fans named O'Meara the Hawks' most important player, just behind prolific onballer Tom Mitchell (29 per cent).
Here are the survey results, plus a selection of Hawthorn fans' responses.
What's the Hawks' weakest spot on the park?
Key defenders. Although this year with more returning from injury hopefully not. Brand was good once he got some games under his belt.
- Martin Symmons, Woolgoolga NSW
Midfield. Tom Mitchell needs support this year. How Jaeger O'Meara plays will mean the difference between playing or missing finals.
- Joshua Karis, Ascot Vale Vic
Midfield. There is premiership experience at the front and rear end of the park, but with the loss of Lewis, Mitchell and even Hodge its a little untested and filled with new blood.
- Brendan Montgomery, Wollongong NSW
It'll be a great year if ...
... O'Meara plays all 22 games (and hopefully finals) and Impey can have a break out year. Would also like to see Breust find his best form again.
- Harley Claxton, Berwick Vic
... O'Meara and Mitchell become the new Mitchell and Lewis.
- Andrew Johnston, Caboolture Qld
... the talented youngsters develop nicely and build chemistry alongside the good mix of veterans. If the list can stay healthy in 2018, then finals and our next piece of silverware are not far away.
- Leigh Wadeson, Guangzhou China
... Shaun Burgoyne plays his best footy in his last season for the Hawks.
- Trevor Price, Alice Springs NT
What's your dream headline in 2018?
'They're back ...'
- Luke Bacher, Port Melbourne Vic
'Clarko extends contract'
- Richard Katherl, Forestville SA
'Mitchell wins Brownlow in a canter'
- Jason Williams, Baldivis WA
What's the headline you secretly dread?
'Clarkson quits at Hawthorn'
- Kylie Armistead, Eltham North Vic
'O'Meara succumbs to long term injury again'
- Harry Flashman, Waratah NSW
'Buddy boots 10 in grand final win'
- Cliff Giles, Darwin NT
'Ryan Burton requests a trade to South Australia'
- Joshua Karis, Ascot Vale Vic
Read more fans' season previews
• Adelaide: Bryce is nice, but backline the worry
• Brisbane: 50 goals for Eric and no spoon, please
• Collingwood: From 13th to a premiership?
• Essendon: Are the bolstered Bombers the complete Package?
• Fremantle: Forward line, forward line, forward line
• Geelong: Grand designs for Gaz's return
• Gold Coast: Key Sun is also fans' biggest fear
• GWS: Time for one Giant leap
