[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [SPORTS]

2 clusters · 7 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Hawthorn AFL 2026 season rise

Overview

On July 18, Hawthorn defeated Richmond 122‑52 at the MCG, a 70‑point win that lifted the Hawks back into the top four of the AFL ladder and saw veteran Tom Lynch celebrate his 500th career goal.

By July 31, Hawthorn had extended its momentum to a three‑game winning streak while sitting third on the ladder and publicly targeting a premiership. Midfielder‑forward Connor Macdonald highlighted a career‑best season, and the club was preparing to add free‑agent defender Ben King and revisit a pursuit of Essendon star Zach Merrett. Key contributors such as Jack Gunston and Nick Watson continued to drive the team's success, with players describing a positive, “fun” atmosphere off the field.

The snapshots together trace Hawthorn’s rapid rise in the 2026 season, from a dominant victory that boosted its ladder position to an ongoing push for ultimate success supported by strong individual performances and strategic recruitment.

Entities

Hawthorn Football Club · Ben King · Connor Macdonald · Nick Watson · Jack Gunston

Timeline

  1. 18 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Hawthorn Football Club eyes AFL premiership as Connor Macdonald thrives

    Hawthorn, third in the AFL, rides a three‑game streak and Connor Macdonald’s peak season, while targeting free‑agent Ben King and possibly Zach Merrett to chase a premiership.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Hawthorn crushes Richmond, surges to top‑four on AFL ladder

    Hawthorn beat Richmond 122‑52 at the MCG, a 70‑point win that moved the Hawks into the AFL top‑four; Lewis and Watson each scored five goals, and Tom Lynch hit his 500th career goal.

Sources

brisbanetimes.com.au · communitynews.com.au · perthnow.com.au · smh.com.au · sportal.co.nz · theage.com.au · theqldr.com.au