Hawks Insiders

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As the dust settles on another weekend of football, and another Hawthorn loss, it’s easy to get discouraged. The positive is the Hawks were definitely better against the Cats in Round 3 than they were against the Demons in Round 2, but those worrying run on and opposition goal avalanches keep on rearing their ugly head.

Taking 24 hours to allow emotions to settle and voices to heal, Danny was joined by Darren and Andrew to chat all things Easter Monday football.

* A first quarter to forget;

* A second quarter to remember;

* Turnovers and errors at the wrong time and how ruthlessly they were punished;

* The excitement of Cam Mackenzie and Nick Watson, and the disappointing news on Watson’s injury;

* James Worpel, his mammoth game and fantastic start to the season;

* Umpiring, Jack Ginnivan and consistency;

* A look ahead to Gather Round and the possibility of the Hawks first win for 2024;

* Plus so much more…

We appreciate your support here at Hawks Insiders, and we love your contributions and feedback. Hit us up and let us know if we were on the money, or if we missed a trick.

Don’t forget to listen in as the HI team goes live on Wednesday nights on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces. Follow us on and Facebook (if you’re into that sort of thing) as well.

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Subscribe to Hawks Insiders for the best brown and gold coverage in the business - including exclusive interviews, analysis, match recaps, and pods.

Well, it finally happened. During Wednesday night’s Safe Space on X/Twitter we put the Demons Dee-molition to bed.

Host Ashley Browne was joined by Darren Levin, (not-so) ‘Angry’ Brad Klibansky, and friend of Hawks Insiders/voice of reason Mick Cowan for some final thoughts on Saturday’s disappointing loss to Melbourne, plus a robust discussion on:

* The issues Hawthorn needs to address;

* Box Hill’s resounding victory against Casey;

* The upcoming selection headaches;

* The new line of Mitchell & Ness merch;

* Whether $10 is too much to tip into Tassie;

* Ruining Tom Hawkins’ 300th;

* The changes for the upcoming Easter Monday clash against Geelong.

Thanks to our friends at Ticketverse, we have premium tickets to give away to attend the HUGE Easter Monday clash against the Cats at the MCG. Click here for details.

We’re also discounting subscriptions this week by 20% so there’s never been a better time to jump on board the HI train. Choo choo!

A paid subscription helps us keep pumping out the kind of Hawks coverage that’s absent in the mainstream footy media. Like Danny Prins’ dose of perspective following the criticism levelled at Hawthorn after just TWO rounds. Then again if you’re after some vitriol, may we interest you in an Angry Brad Rant?

Join us as the HI team goes live on Wednesday nights on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces. Follow us on and Facebook (if you’re into that sort of thing) as well.

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Subscribe to Hawks Insiders for the best brown and gold coverage in the business - including exclusive interviews, analysis, match recaps, and pods.

It was coming. It was always coming.

This is the first in a new series from the Hawks Insiders where we finally allow Brad to be his true self.

While this episode of anger is free for everyone to enjoy, this new series is one which will be behind a paywall going forward, so if you haven’t already, consider subscribing to the Hawks Insiders for this kind of exclusive content.

Against our better judgement, the Insiders gave Brad free reign in the recording studio and we allowed him to take the filters off.

It’s going to be passionate.

It’s going to be pessimistic.

It’s going to be angry.

We can’t even promise that it will be coherent, but we can promise that we’ll give you the opportunity to respond.

So tell us what you think, Hawks fans. Do you think Brad is on the money with his take this week or is he wide of the mark? What are you angry about? Hit us up in the comments.

Join us as the HI team goes live on Wednesday nights on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces. Follow us on and Facebook (if you’re into that sort of thing) as well.

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Subscribe to Hawks Insiders for the best brown and gold coverage in the business - including exclusive interviews, analysis, match recaps, and pods.

There’ll be times this year when our post match pods feel like therapy sessions — and today was one of them.

In the hours following our 55-point loss to Melbourne, Andrew Weiss, Darren Levin and ‘Angry’ Brad Klibansky came off the long regrouped on a demoralising loss to a team that’s had the wood over us since 2018.

* Did they find any positives?

* Have we actually improved on last year?

* Are Melbourne just that good?

* What was Sammy thinking in that first quarter?

* Should we be worried about the form of Mitch Lewis and Jai Newcombe yet?

* What players can we bring in to make a difference?

* Have some players hit a ceiling?

* Should Finn be dropped if he doesn’t have an obvious tag?

* Can we lick our wounds in time for Easter Monday and the Cats?

* Are we bound for 0-5?

We hope you find listening to this pod as cathartic as we did recording it, so be sure to drop a comment through Substack or on socials to let us know what you think.Our full post match recap will drop on Monday, featuring observations, highlights, GIFs galore, and everything you need to know from a game we’d rather forget.

Don’t forget to listen in as the HI team goes live on Wednesday nights on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces. Follow us on and Facebook (if you’re into that sort of thing) as well.

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Hawks fans took what they wanted to from Saturday’s loss to the Bombers, and it was no different for us at Hawks Insiders.

Some of us thought the Hawks were a genuine chance at a win, despite being smashed in the clearances and missing gettable shots at goal. Others felt that Hawthorn’s periods of dominance were fleeting, and the Bombers were the far better side.

In this weeks Safe Space, the full Insiders crew, Danny, Darren, Brad, Ash, Andrew and Simon reflected on the Round 1 loss, what it means in and of itself, and what it means within the context of the season. The team chatted about:

* Reflections on the Hawks Insider Live Panel Show last Wednesday;

* The positives as well as the negatives of the Round 1 result;

* xS in AFL and why it’s important to consider within the wider context of the season;

* The debutants and their impressive first up efforts in brown and gold;

* The James Sicily incident, the perceived Sicily Tax and a surprise positive outcome;

* 70,000 members and Jack Ginnivan breaking the news;

* Potential issues as we look forward to the Round 2 matchup against the Demons;

* and so so so much more…

Thank you for continuing to engage with us on social media, we appreciate the support. Please consider subscribing to our Substack, it allows us to continue to produce the content we do.

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In the first of a new podcast series for season 2024, the Insiders broke down the defeat to the Bombers in our weekly Post-Match Recap Podcast.

Danny Prins was joined by Andrew Weiss and Darren Levin and the trio looked over the Round 1 loss focusing on:

* Post-match vibes check;

* What were the real positives from the match;

* What did we see as the negatives;

* Who were Hawthorn’s best players and why;

* Which players played their way into some pressure to retain their spots;

* Some final thoughts on where we sit heading into Round 2.

The Hawks will need to lick their wounds and get back on the track ahead of a Round 2 showdown against the Demons.

So sit back, have a listen, and let us know your feedback on the podcast, and the new format. We love hearing the thoughts of our subscribers, and it helps us shape what we do.

Don’t forget to listen in as the HI team goes live on Wednesday nights on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces. Follow us on and Facebook (if you’re into that sort of thing) as well.

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As we head into the season proper, stay up to date by subscribing to Hawks Insiders for news, match recaps, exclusive pods, player ratings, and insights into all things Hawthorn Football Club.

Hawthorn v Essendon

Saturday 16 March, 1.45pmMelbourne Cricket Ground

Finally!! Round 1, 2024 is upon us. The quicker our pre-season is forgotten the better. It’s time to look ahead to what will hopefully be an exciting 2024 and there’s no better to start the season than a clash against our arch rivals, Essendon, in front of a 75,000+ crowd at the MCG on a Saturday afternoon.

The make up of our Round 1 side will be fascinating. Unfortunately, injuries to key players during the pre-season have made things incredibly difficult for match committee heading into the early rounds of the season.

Let’s take a look at how I think the team will look in Round 1.

The backline

Our first choice full back James Blanck suffered a season ending ACL injury in the intra-club a few week’s ago. Talk about a disaster. 25 year old key defender Ethan Phillips, who recently joined Box Hill from Port Melbourne, was promoted to the list and is a chance to play against the Bombers. I think he needs a few weeks at Box Hill and Sam Frost will get the first crack at full back. Frost will have a huge job against Peter Wright this week, and the last time Frost played on Wright, he kicked 6.0.

Josh Weddle, Karl Amon & Jarman Impey will provide the run, whilst Jack Scrimshaw & skipper James Sicily will fill the other roles. Our backline is in for a world of pain if our midfield struggles like they have all pre-season.

The midfield

Peter Crimmins Medalist, and arguably our best midfielder Will Day suffered a stress fracture in his foot and will miss at least the first 5 weeks of the season. If we are looking at the positives, it will give an opportunity for a couple of our young guns in Cam Mackenzie and Henry Hustwaite to earn a spot in the team over the opening few weeks. Both Mackenzie and Hustwaite were shining lights in the pre-season and will both get opportunities to play early on in the season. For Round 1, there’s only room for one.

Jai Newcombe will once again lead the midfield and despite playing under 55 games, has become one of the best inside midfielders in the AFL. James Worpel & Connor Nash need to stand up and provide Newcombe with more support. They have both had average pre-seasons and with Day out, the pressure will be on.

The Bombers best midfielder is Zach Merrett - does Finn Maginness play to tag Merrett? With Darcy Parish in doubt, the question will be, do the Hawks go head to head, or play a tagger? If Merrett has under 20 touches, the Hawks should win.

The wing position is also an interesting watch at selection. Former Bomber Massimo D’Ambrosio has impressed this pre-season and deserves to play against his former team. Josh Ward is another one that’s played predominantly wing this pre-season. In my opinion he is not a wingman, but his ability to play inside mid cements his spot in the team. Harry Morrison finished season 2023 in good form and seems to be a Sam Mitchell favourite. I have him just missing out for Round 1.

The ruck

Major alarm bells. Ned Reeves had some quality games last season but his issue to run out games and ability to impact around the ground was a big problem. From what I’ve seen this pre-season, it’s going to carry over into season 2024. As we saw last season, the Reeves and Meek combination doesn’t work, so unless Reeves is injured, Meek will be playing at Box Hill this season.

The forward line

A completely new and exciting look for season 2024. Former Tiger and Sun Mabior Chol has arrived to partner Mitch Lewis & to help Reeves in the ruck. Collingwood premiership player Jack Ginnivan comes in to partner Luke Breust and the exciting number 5 pick in last year’s draft, Nick “the Wizard” Watson.

Dylan Moore is set to play after suffering glandular fever in the pre-season. His class and leadership will be crucial throughout the season. We also welcome back Jack Gunston, who will provide great experience and leadership.

I can see Gunston playing as a swingman early on in the season. Expect him to spend time down in the backline and to play at least 15 games this season. The most interesting move this pre-season has been Blake Hardwick’s move forward. Can it work?

Here’s my team for Round 1:

FB: Impey Frost Sicily

HB: Scrimshaw Weddle Amon

C: D’Ambrosio Nash Ward

HF: Macdonald Lewis Hardwick

FF: Breust Chol Ginnivan

R: Reeves Newcombe Worpel

INT: Watson Gunston Moore Mackenzie (Hustwaite)

EMG: Phillips Mitchell Morrison Ramsden

Injured (not considered): Day, Wingard, Jiath, Blanck, Grainger-BarrasUnder the pump: James Worpel, Connor Nash, Josh Ward, Sam Frost

What do we think, Hawks fans? Has Brad nailed his Round 1 team or has he fumbled the ball? Make sure you give us your feedback via the Substack and Twitter.

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We’re a few days away from Opening Round, and just over a week from Round 1, but the Insiders are in finals type form. Subscribe to Hawks Insiders for exclusive content, analysis, interviews and podcasts.

The Hawks Insiders caught up with Head of Football, Rob McCartney for a wide ranging chat ahead of the season commencement.

Speaking to Danny Prins and Andrew Weiss, McCartney provided great detail and insight into the operations inside the four walls at Hawthorn, including:

* Reflections on a pre-season that promised so much but underdelivered;

* How the club reviewed their spate of injuries and the difference between ‘controllable’ and ‘uncontrollable’ injuries and how it is measured against overall list health;

* What players are ready to take the next step in their footballing journey;

* What a successful season looks like and the transition from a developmental phase to a performance phase;

* Insights into the Hawks recruits, both experienced and draftees;

* The strategy around attracting free agents and what areas of the list need reinforcements. Plus the role Jarryd Roughead will play in that;

* Father-son prospects, both on our list and the potential ones;

* and plenty, plenty more…

Thank you for your continued support of the Hawks Insiders, we will look to balance out these engaging and insightful podcasts with plenty of written pieces in the coming weeks.

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We looked back, looked forward and prepared for what Hawthorn’s season might look like.

Hosted by Ash Browne, Danny Prins, Darren Levin and Brad Klibansky, the Insiders spoke in detail about the pre-season, the match against the Bulldogs, and looked towards next week and the season ahead:

* A tale of two halves against the Bulldogs;

* Jai Newcombe and his lack of midfield support;

* The youngsters who have impressed this pre-season;

* Our five most important Hawks;

* What is our definition of a successful season;

* Looking ahead to our Live Panel Show and introduction of our final guests;

* and plenty more…

Please consider subscribing to our Substack, and continue engaging with us on X or joining us on our Safe Space.

We’re looking forward to meeting you all next Wednesday night at the Glenferrie Hotel for our first ever Live Panel Show, we can’t wait to get around our Hawks Insiders community.

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The 2024 season is inching closer and closer, and here at Hawks Insiders we’re ramping things up. Subscribe to Hawks Insiders for exclusive content, analysis, interviews and podcasts.

He’s had a pretty positive pre-season so far, but Angry Brad Klibansky has come off the long run, joining Darren Levin to dissect a pretty worrying final pre-season hitout against the Dogs.

Playing at Hawthorn’s home away from home — UTAS in Launceston — the Bulldogs thumped the Hawks by 57 points: 17.17 (119) to 9.8 (62).

Yes, it’s just a pre-season game, but there were some nervy signs with round one against the Bombers just two weeks away.

The midfield was comprehensively smashed (the Dogs were +9 for centre clearances), while a makeshift backline featuring new recruit Ethan Phillips — who impressed on debut — struggled against a stacked Bulldogs forward line.

Hawthorn’s forward line is still a work in progress, but there were glimpses of what’s to come from Nick Watson (six score involvements) and Jack Ginnivan (two goals). The pair’s bromance is well-established and they combined for an electric second quarter goal.

In other positives, Cam Mackenzie (19 disposals and one goal) and Henry Hustwaite (17 disposals) look set for a round one start, while Jai Newcombe (37 disposals) and Connor Macdonald (19 disposals, two goals) oozed class and poise on a tough afternoon.

Of course it’s just pre-season, but Mitch and his team will surely have concerns leading into round one.

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