Hawks Insiders

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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.
It was one of the biggest contingents of Insiders we have had on TWTW pod for quite some time, and there was plenty of content to discuss.
With Ash back leading TWTW lines, he was joined by Nat, Brad, Danny, Mick and Weissy and the group put Ash’s immaculate timekeeping regime to shame as they discussed:
* The disappointment that was Opening Round;
* The Jailbirds at the club - what we made of the Moore and Macdonald USA news;
* Our midfield - feels like this will be discussed every week this year;
* Season expectations;
* Questions from the community;
* Blake Hardwick 200 - what a man, what a milestone;
* Belting the Bombers;
* And much much mo(o)re.
As always we want to know what you thought of the discussion - comment and let us know what you agree with, disagree with, and how you are feeling about things!.
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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

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

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.
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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

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.
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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