# Hawthorn AFL 2026 season rise

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hawthorn-afl-2026-season-rise
> Updated: 2026-07-31T05:24:40.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hawthorn-football-club-eyes-afl-premiership-as-connor-macdonald-thrives

### 2026-07-18: 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.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hawthorn-crushes-richmond-surges-to-topfour-on-afl-ladder

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Cite as: Hawthorn AFL 2026 season rise. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hawthorn-afl-2026-season-rise