If the Hawks can overcome a year of adversity to win back-to-back flags, it will spark vigorous debate about where the current crop rates among the pantheon of great Hawthorn sides.
Anything less, and 2014 will be known as the premiership campaign that just wasn't meant to be.
The Hawks have been cruelled by injuries this season and - more often than not - those setbacks have sidelined key players for lengthy spells.
On top of that, Hawthorn lost senior coach Alastair Clarkson to a debilitating illness for five matches just as the season threatened to unravel.
But from adversity came opportunity.
Brendon Bolton took charge in the hot seat, sharpening not only his skillset but also those of the other assistant coaches who shouldered more of the load.
On the field, seven Hawks have played their first games in brown and gold.
Others, such as ruckman Jonathon Ceglar, have taken significant strides forward and Hawthorn's squad has now become even more versatile and competitive, as Clarkson pointed out at his weekly press conference on Friday.
"All we want to do throughout the course of the year is build our depth so that when the misfortune occurs, which invariably happens…we've got a player that can capably come into the side and fulfill a role for us," he said.
"If we've got a depth of 32 to 35 players that can fulfill that role at any point in time then we're pretty pleased with the mix.
"So our focus over the next three or four weeks is to make sure we've got as many fit and in-form players as (we can) in preparation for finals."
A rapidly diminishing injury list means at least four Hawks are set to bolster the best 22 soon, and at least eight other players are jockeying for position if an opportunity arises.
With September on the horizon, AFL.com.au has cast an eye over the Hawks not in the team to play Melbourne on Saturday who could give Hawthorn’s match committee headaches at the selection table in the remainder of the season.
Hawks in best 22 who are still to return:
Jack Gunston – facing a two-to-three week stint on the sidelines with a medial ligament. Has booted 44 goals in a career-best season.
Brian Lake – the Norm Smith medallist returns from a four-game suspension in round 21. The full-back is likely to win an immediate recall to the senior side.
Cyril Rioli – listed as two-to-four weeks away after a serious hamstring tendon injury. Hawks hopeful of a return before finals.
Watch 'Home Ground' with Cyril Rioli
Brad Sewell – makes his comeback in the VFL on Sunday after more hamstring trouble. Hit a purple patch mid-season before his injury. The veteran midfielder's experience will be handy come finals time.
Waiting in the VFL for their chance:
Jonathon Ceglar – the surprise packet of 2014, Ceglar was unlucky to be dropped but responded well playing for Box Hill last round. Will continue to keep experienced duo Ben McEvoy and David Hale honest in the ruck.
Kyle Cheney – has been in superb VFL form but could find it tough to break back in to the Hawks backline unless injuries strike.
Mitch Hallahan – strung together six games after making his debut in round five. The tough on-baller has slipped a little down the pecking order.
Angus Litherland – despite a breakout debut season, the versatile defender's slight dip in form sees him back in the VFL this week. In competition with Taylor Duryea for small defender role.
Luke Lowden – remember him? The 204cm ruckman made a stunning three-goal debut in the round 12 win over West Coast after five-and-a-half years on the Hawks' list. Lowden was unluckily dropped the next week and is fourth in line for a ruck spot.
Tim O'Brien – has only played the three games this year – the last in round 13 – but would be a viable option up forward if injuries hit the Hawks' big men.
Ben Ross – the ex-North Melbourne midfielder pulled on the brown and gold for the first time in round 13 against Carlton after being upgraded from the rookie list and played four games. Needs an injury or two to come back into the mix.
Alex Woodward – one of the Hawks' best stories for 2014. After two knee reconstructions, the midfielder finally had a two-game taste at AFL level after dominating for Box Hill.
Twitter: @TravKing_AFL
Brad Sewell – makes his comeback in the VFL on Sunday after more hamstring trouble. Hit a purple patch mid-season before his injury. The veteran midfielder's experience will be handy come finals time.
Waiting in the VFL for their chance:
Jonathon Ceglar – the surprise packet of 2014, Ceglar was unlucky to be dropped but responded well playing for Box Hill last round. Will continue to keep experienced duo Ben McEvoy and David Hale honest in the ruck.
Kyle Cheney – has been in superb VFL form but could find it tough to break back in to the Hawks backline unless injuries strike.
Mitch Hallahan – strung together six games after making his debut in round five. The tough on-baller has slipped a little down the pecking order.
Angus Litherland – despite a breakout debut season, the versatile defender's slight dip in form sees him back in the VFL this week. In competition with Taylor Duryea for small defender role.
Luke Lowden – remember him? The 204cm ruckman made a stunning three-goal debut in the round 12 win over West Coast after five-and-a-half years on the Hawks' list. Lowden was unluckily dropped the next week and is fourth in line for a ruck spot.
Tim O'Brien – has only played the three games this year – the last in round 13 – but would be a viable option up forward if injuries hit the Hawks' big men.
Ben Ross – the ex-North Melbourne midfielder pulled on the brown and gold for the first time in round 13 against Carlton after being upgraded from the rookie list and played four games. Needs an injury or two to come back into the mix.
Alex Woodward – one of the Hawks' best stories for 2014. After two knee reconstructions, the midfielder finally had a two-game taste at AFL level after dominating for Box Hill.
Twitter: @TravKing_AFL
