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 young guns are ready to step up. Jarman Impey, a seasoned Hawk, is confident in the club’s next generation of midfielders, despite the absence of Will Day and the failed pursuit of Essendon’s star. But here’s where it gets controversial—is relying on unproven talent a risky move, or the start of something special?
Will Day’s shoulder surgery has left a gaping hole in Sam Mitchell’s midfield, and the inability to secure Merrett during the trade period only amplifies the challenge. Add James Worpel’s departure to Geelong, and you’ve got a midfield in transition. Yet, Impey remains optimistic, highlighting the emergence of young talents like Cam Mackenzie, Connor Macdonald, and draftees Jack Dalton and Ollie Greeves. But is youth enough to replace experience?
‘It’s a long season, and we’ve got the talent to cover the loss,’ Impey told foxfooty.com.au. ‘The younger ones are stepping up, and they’ve been impressive.’ He also pointed to versatile players like Jack Ginnivan and Dylan Moore, who can fill midfield roles when needed. ‘We’ve got so much talent on our list,’ he added. ‘I’m confident in our ability to adapt.’
But here’s the kicker: While missing out on Merrett wasn’t ideal, Impey insists the team didn’t dwell on it. ‘Everyone knew what was going on, but it’s football—things don’t always go your way,’ he said. ‘We wish him the best, and we’re focused on what we have.’ The first showdown with Merrett and the Bombers in Round 1 at the MCG will be one to watch. Will there be fireworks? You bet.
Hawthorn’s off-season was unusually quiet, with no new additions via trade or free agency. Instead, they lost Worpel,,,,,,,,,,, Yet Instead.Instead,,,This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This’This
’
h
h
h
h’n
h’
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h’m
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h’
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
h
