Hawks Insiders

Hawks Insiders

Ever get the feeling you know more about the Mighty Hawks than the people paid to write, think and talk about footy on a daily basis? Imagine a space in which the impassioned conversations you’re having on message boards, WhatsApp groups or private social pages are explored in greater detail by people in the know. We’ll be delivering considered Hawthorn Footy Club content straight to your inbox and podcast providers, centred around topics that reflect what true Hawks supporters are talking about, not lazy mainstream media narratives that are just so easy to debunk. hawksinsiders.substack.com

  1. 5 MAR

    "Don’t put a ceiling on what this group can do"

    Subscribe to Hawks Insiders for the most in-depth and wide ranging Hawthorn coverage available. Exclusive interviews to analysis, match recaps to podcasts, the Insiders have you covered. “If we get the development right, we should be even better in ’27, ’28 and ’29.”- Rob McCartney Our first ever live panel show at the Kennedy Community Centre was one of those nights that reminded us how special the Hawks Insiders community is. From guided tours of the facilities to special guests (including some unexpected ones in the crowd!), the Hawks really rolled out the brown and gold carpet for us. For those who couldn’t make it along — or if you just want to relive the night — we’re publishing the full panel interview with Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney and Box Hill head coach (and Hawthorn development coach) Dave Mirra as a pod. Rob gave a few clues about the next wave of players pushing for their Hawthorn debut and the famous Rule 529; while Miz offered a fascinating insight into how the Box Hill–Hawthorn pipeline actually works behind the scenes. 🗣️ Key talking points: * What the club really took away from the Bulldogs practice match; * Why Hawthorn still sees itself in a development phase, despite last year’s prelim; * The young Hawks pushing for debut opportunities in 2026 — including Will McCabe, Aidan Schubert and Cam Nairn; * How players like Josh Weddle are being developed to become genuine “fix-it” weapons across multiple positions; * The continued growth of the Hawks’ young core including Josh Ward, Cam Mackenzie and Nick Watson; * The role Box Hill plays in fast-tracking players for AFL football; and * How the new Kennedy Community Centre is already changing the way players prepare and recover. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that gives a real sense of where the Hawks are heading — and why there’s so much excitement building around this group, not just for 2026 but beyond. Follow us on social media through the links below: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hawksinsiders.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 7m
  2. 1 MAR

    Worrying signs out of Whitten Oval

    Subscribe to Hawks Insiders for the most in-depth and wide ranging Hawthorn cover there is. From exclusive interviews to analysis, match recaps to podcasts, the Insiders have you covered. In our first — and only — AMMI Community Series match of 2026, the Hawks went down to the Dogs in disappointing fashion 18.9 (117) to 11.7 (73). Nat Martin and Angry Brad unpacked the loss — and while it’s not “season over” just yet, there were a few worrying signs ahead of our Round Zero clash against the Giants. 🗣️ Talking Points * Won the clearances. Lost the game: Territory wasn’t the issue — efficiency and execution were. * Transition defence exposed: The Dogs cut us up through the corridor far too easily. * Inside 50 connection still a work in progress: Entries didn’t match the structure. * Mitch Lewis under the microscope: This isn’t “just pre-season” for him. * Barrass is irreplaceable: Our key defensive depth looks thin if he goes down. * Newcombe tribunal watch: One week changes the entire Round 1 midfield mix. * Reeves or Meek? Do we need tap dominance or mobility? * Gunston still class: Experience and composure holding the forward line together. * The Wizard is coming: Nick Watson looks ready to explode in 2026. If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to Hawks Insiders for bi-weekly podcasts, analysis and more. We’ll be with you side by side riding the bumps together through season 2026. Follow us on social media through the links below: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hawksinsiders.substack.com/subscribe

    37 min
  3. Pre-Season Recap Pod: Hawks vs Cats

    16 FEB

    Pre-Season Recap Pod: Hawks vs Cats

    Subscribe to Hawks Insiders for the most in-depth and wide ranging Hawthorn coverage available. Exclusive interviews to analysis, match recaps to podcasts, the Insiders have you covered. Season 2026 is upon us and the Hawks fired up in sweltering conditions in their first pre-season hitout at the KCC. The Hawks prevailed by 17 points over the Cats — 16.15 (111) to 14.10 (94) — in front of a healthy brown and gold turnout at our new home. There was plenty to like, and plenty to refine. But for a first official outing at KCC, 16 goals and a 17-point win over the Cats is a pretty nice way to christen the place. Listen as Ash, Mick and Brad discussed: * The midfield mix and why Ward is trending towards the clear No.2 behind Jai; * What we need from our centre bounce rotations in 2026. * Reeves and Meek: how the ruck balance looked and why synergy matters more than raw hitout numbers this time of year; * Sam Butler’s statement game — forward pressure, elite tackling and whether he’s now locked into our best 23; * Mitch Lewis’ presence up forward and how the mix of Lewis, Dear, Chol and (eventually) Gunston shapes the structure; * The kids watch — Noah Mraz competing hard and Aiden Schubert showing promise; * Why Flynn Perez is pressing hard for that SSP spot; * The upcoming Round One matchup against a GWS side dealing with significant injuries; * First impressions of the Kennedy Community Centre — strong crowd, great energy… and yes, the melted bitumen in the car park; * And much much more. We’ll be back later in the week with our mid-week pod featuring all your listener questions (don’t forget to get them in via our socials). Follow us on social media through the links below: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hawksinsiders.substack.com/subscribe

    42 min

About

Ever get the feeling you know more about the Mighty Hawks than the people paid to write, think and talk about footy on a daily basis? Imagine a space in which the impassioned conversations you’re having on message boards, WhatsApp groups or private social pages are explored in greater detail by people in the know. We’ll be delivering considered Hawthorn Footy Club content straight to your inbox and podcast providers, centred around topics that reflect what true Hawks supporters are talking about, not lazy mainstream media narratives that are just so easy to debunk. hawksinsiders.substack.com

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