Why Hawthorn legend is fearful of a “false dawn” for the club if winning ways continue

Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton fears a “false dawn” for his former side should they continue their winning ways, warning the Hawks need a stronger list to contend consistently with the best.

Sam Mitchell’s side is coming off a comprehensive win over Brisbane at Marvel Stadium and arguably should have won five of their last six games, given Hawthorn found itself 11 points up with 40 seconds to play against the Power in Round 10.

With the second youngest list in the competition, the Hawks appear to be on the way up.

But five-time premiership star Brereton warned Mitchell and the club’s hierarchy not to get ahead of themselves just yet.

“They’re travelling a bit too well for what I would like,” Brereton admitted to SEN.

“I’m trying to be serious. If they win too many, it’s a false dawn. They still need some real top end talent, like a pick in the top four, to reach fruition in season 2027 and then on.

“I think it’s the way they play. Put it this way, if they win the same amount of games as last year and they have a few other games like the Port Adelaide game… the learnings you take out of that would be enormous.

“I’m pretty impressed with the way they’re going now.”

The Hawks were active in last year’s trade period, securing five players and missing out on multiple others including Esava Ratugolea, after reportedly luring a huge contract in front of the former Cats defender.

With plenty of room expected in the 2024 salary cap, Hawthorn is again likely to be among the major trade players this off-season.

The Hawks could also look to free agency. Lions pair Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry are the biggest-name restricted free agents yet to sing beyond 2024, while Bulldog Tim English and Swan Will Hayward have also been linked to a move.

As it stands, Hawthorn will take picks five and 32 to the 2024 National Draft.