Fuelled by a bitterly brutal end to a breakthrough AFL season, Hawthorn will use their finals heartbreak to drive into 2025.
Sam Mitchell’s Hawks were the surprise package of 2024, with their youthful enthusiasm delivering a stunning turnaround from 0-5 to a semi-finals berth.
But a stinging three-point defeat to Port Adelaide, which ended in hostility between captain James Sicily and Power coach Ken Hinkley, has left the Hawks desperate for more.
“When you get a taste of finals like that, and you’re playing well, you never want it to end, pretty much,” midfielder Jai Newcombe said on Monday.
“So, yeah, obviously it was disappointing to lose that game, but we’ve had a taste of it now.
“A lot of guys are still probably a little bit sour and hungry and keen to get back out there and hopefully get to that point again this season, and see what we can do.”
Newcombe was among 10 Hawks who headed for a training camp in Texas over the off-season to focus on building speed and power.
He was also among Hawthorn players who met Super Rugby’s champion Blues.
The Hawks are determined to ensure their 2024 campaign isn’t a one-off.
“(It’s) having a strong understanding of, I guess, why we’re in the position we’re in and what our brand looks like when we are playing well,” Newcombe said.
“So keep honing in on that, having a strong connection to our identity and how we want to play, and try and get the most out of that every week.”
Newcombe backed luckless defender Changkuoth Jiath to underline his importance next season.
Hawthorn also recruited key defenders Tom Barrass and Josh Battle from West Coast and St Kilda respectively in a bid to go to another level.
“They’re gonna add some real depth to our defence,” Newcombe said.
“It was a very strong area for us this year, especially in the back half of the year, our ability to keep oppositions to a lower score was quite impressive.
“So to then add strengths to that areas is great for us as a club.
“I have no doubt that they’re gonna help us improve, whether it’s here at training or as people upstairs, educating guys.”
https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/finals-exit-fuels-hawks-for-more-in-2025-c-16869458
