Hawthorn

Pre-season expectations

The Hawks were again expected to be among the top four or five sides but those close to the club also knew it would be a season of transformation, with the next generation of talent needed to be given extended time on the field.

Record: 11-3

What's gone right

In a season where Jarryd Roughead will not play, and skipper Luke Hodge has missed eight matches, the Hawks head into the bye upbeat - and with no reason not to think a fourth-straight flag is not within reach. The Hawks, again, have shown remarkable resilience - highlighted by winning three straight matches from round three by three points. Where many clubs would have faltered, the Hawks continue to find a way, to the point they are now on top of the ladder. Their 46-point crunching of Richmond in round seven came with Roughead, Hodge and Sam Mitchell all missing. Vice-captain Jordan Lewis, after a relatively slow start, has dominated in the past month, while Mitchell has averaged 30 disposals per game through the season roaming across half-back or through the middle. There was never any doubt he wouldn't play on next year. There had been questions about the Hawks' scoring but they head into the break having lifted their averaged to 101 points per game - although this is down on the league-high 111.5 of last season, in part because of Roughead's absence. But they still have a variety of goal-kickers, with Jack Gunston, Cyril Rioli, Luke Breust, Paul Puopolo and youngster James Sicily providing options. Sicily, a Rising Star nominee, has an excellent leap and pair of hands, and enjoys celebrating a goal. The Hawks have also been able to get game time into Kaiden Brand, Tim O'Brien, Daniel Howe and Angus Litherland, while Will Langford is again a consistent member of the side. The Hawks continue to punish opponents who turn the ball over, averaging 64 points from this - second best in the league, and just below their league high of 66.9 of last season. 

Rising Star: James Sicily has filled the breach up forward Photo: Getty Images

What's gone wrong

Football, as it should have been, was cast aside when Roughead announced the melanoma he had successfully fought last year had spread, and he would not play this year. The Hawks, and the football world, have rallied around him, and he remains a daily presence at the club while he undergoes treatment. Hodge had been restricted by a broken arm against Geelong in round one and then hurt his knee against GWS in round six and required surgery, but he returned against the Suns on Sunday. He will hope for a steady run home to the finals. The dash and long runs of Isaac Smith haven't been as prevalent this season, while fellow wingman Brad Hill, who has dealt with some off-field issues, has averaged three less disposals than last season. After the round-nine loss to the Swans, club great Jason Dunstall declared their performances in the key statistical areas was "not good enough" but that has changed in the five wins since. Jack Fitzpatrick has not played for five weeks because of the lingering impact of concussion, having been accidentally kneed in the head by teammate Kurt Heatherley in a VFL match on May 15. Fitzpatrick has a history of concussions, and the Hawks do not know when he will return. Ryan Schoenmakers has also had a season disrupted by injury.

Battle: Jarryd Roughead talks about his battle with cancer. Photo: Eddie Jim.

Stand-out star

Hard to go past Mitchell for this one. Once again, he is in the top handful of Brownlow favourites. He began the campaign with some monster efforts, including 36 disposals (eight clearances) against the Cats, 37 (nine clearances) against the West Coast Eagles a week later, and a career-high 44 (10 clearances) against the Saints a fortnight later as the Hawks fell across the line. The 33-year-old is a testament to what meticulous preparation can do. Key defender Josh Gibson has also had another strong and consistent season.

Who is under the pump

Matt Spangher lasted barely a minute in his comeback match, against Brisbane in round 10, before he seriously hurt his hamstring. He has had a wretched run with soft-tissue injuries since the 2014 premiership, and faces a fight to be given a new contract. Versatile midfielder Brendan Whitecross has not played a senior match this season and almost certainly will seek other opportunities once the season is done. The Hawks will hope for more from Jono O'Rourke, now in his second season with the Hawks after crossing from GWS. With Mitchell re-signed, and Hodge and Gibson set to follow, it remains to be seen if Shaun Burgoyne, also enjoying a strong year, is the one veteran squeezed out.

Last hurrah: Shaun Burgoyne fends off Gold Coast's Dion Prestia. Photo: Getty Images

The run home

This shapes as solid, without being brutal, as the Hawks chase history. The Power in Adelaide is first up and then comes the Swans in Sydney, with the Hawks determined to avenge a 14-point loss in round nine when many players were clearly flat only days after learning of Roughead's diagnosis. The Tigers, Carlton and Melbourne then await - which should result in wins - before the return grudge match against Michael Firrito ... err, the Kangaroos. A trip to Domain Stadium follows against an Eagles' unit expected to be fighting for a home final, while the Magpies will round out the campaign.

What coach Alastair Clarkson says

"We've played some really good footy and we have particularly played well when we have really needed to play well."

Rating: A

Up next - Geelong