Hawthorn’s Midfield Shake-Up: Can the Next Generation Fill the Void?
The AFL world was abuzz with the Zach Merrett trade saga, but here’s the part most people miss: Hawthorn’s Jarman Impey isn’t just brushing it off—he’s doubling down on the club’s young talent. With Will Day sidelined for the first half of the season due to shoulder surgery, and the failed pursuit of Merrett, the Hawks’ midfield faces a significant challenge. But Impey is confident the next generation is ready to step up.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While some might see the inability to land Merrett as a setback, Impey views it as an opportunity for Hawthorn’s homegrown stars to shine. ‘That’s life and that’s football,’ he told foxfooty.com.au. ‘People get injured. You need a bit of luck in this industry.’ And luck, or rather preparation, is exactly what the Hawks have been building.
Impey highlights emerging talents like Cam Mackenzie, Connor Macdonald, and Henry Hustwaite, as well as draftees Jack Dalton and Ollie Greeves, who have impressed during the pre-season. He also points to versatile players like Jack Ginnivan, Nick Watson, Dylan Moore, and Josh Weddle, who can seamlessly transition into midfield roles when needed. ‘We’ve got so much talent on our list,’ Impey asserts, emphasizing the club’s depth and potential.
And this is the part most people miss: While the failure to secure Merrett was disappointing, Impey reveals it wasn’t a topic of heavy discussion among the players. ‘Everyone knew what was going on,’ he admits, but the focus quickly shifted to the team’s existing strengths. ‘We always want to get better, but it didn’t happen, and that’s life,’ he adds, showcasing a pragmatic mindset that’s become a hallmark of Hawthorn’s resurgence under Sam Mitchell.
The Hawks’ recruiting strategy has been a key factor in their success, with additions like Tom Barrass, Josh Battle, and Jack Gunston bolstering the squad in recent years. Yet, Impey isn’t concerned about the lack of new signings this off-season. ‘We’ve got a lot of belief in our group,’ he says, stressing the importance of consistency and strong leadership within the team.
Boldly, Impey suggests that players might need to sacrifice financially for the greater good, echoing the club’s dynasty teams of the past. ‘They’re clearly going to get looks at other clubs,’ he acknowledges, but remains confident in Hawthorn’s ability to retain its core talent. ‘We’re very confident we’ll keep these players,’ he declares, pointing to the club’s history of unity and shared purpose.
As Hawthorn embarks on a new era with the move to its Dingley facilities, Impey describes the atmosphere as ‘real professional, special.’ The proximity to home is an added bonus, especially after welcoming his first child, Zion, with wife Anabelle last May. ‘It’s been really pleasing,’ he shares, reflecting on how fatherhood has brought balance and focus to his game.
But here’s the thought-provoking question: With Sam Mitchell embracing artificial intelligence in pre-season training, is Hawthorn ahead of the curve, or is this just another fad? Impey laughs off the idea that Mitchell has gone full AI, but acknowledges its potential. ‘The world is changing,’ he says. ‘We can all use it to benefit ourselves.’
As the Hawks prepare to face Merrett and the Bombers in Round 1, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown. Will Hawthorn’s young midfielders rise to the occasion, or will the absence of key players prove too much to overcome? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Jarman Impey and the Hawks are ready for the challenge. What’s your take? Do you think Hawthorn’s next generation can fill the void, or will they struggle without additional star power? Let us know in the comments!
