From new recruits, to special fan moments, there was a lot of buzz across Hawthorn's social media platforms in 2023.
We've taken a look back to see what you loved seeing the most this year.
Our favourite five posts @hawthornfc
1. A special moment for the coach
Our coach Sam Mitchell celebrated a huge milestone this year - being inducted into Australian Hall of Fame. From four premierships to a Brownlow medal, Sam's 14-year playing career is one to go down in the history books.
2. The retirement of a legend
He was one of the best to ever do it. After nine years in the brown and gold, and a further 10-year stint at Sydney, Buddy Franklin announced his retirement in July.
3. A feel-good story
Nothing beats playing for the team you grew up supporting! A Hawk for life (with the pictures to prove it) Jack Ginnivan is set to live out his childhood dream when he dons the brown and gold in 2024.
4. Gunners returns
In one of the biggest surprise stories of this year's trade period, Jack Gunston made his return to Hawthorn!
5. Nuke at the Brownlow
Impressive youngster Jai Newcombe finished as our leading Brownlow vote-getter for the second year in a row. After polling 11 votes last year, Newcombe topped Hawthorn's count with 18 this season to stamp his name as a player to watch in future counts.
Our favourite reels @hawthornfc
1. Celebrating a special member milestone
Our members are at the heart of everything we do. We love being able to celebrate those who have given so much to the club - our longest serving member Marjorie was one of these. For 90 years she has bled brown and gold, and what better way to acknowledge her contribution than with a special visit into the club.
2. Dads Day!
We had the players dads make a visit to Bunjil Bagora earlier this year to take part in a training session and some challenges - which included a bit of a pump up from the coach.
3. Punky and Henry
Luke Breust credited an important “pillar” in his support network while celebrating his 500th goal earlier this year. Breust and 10-year-old Henry have been friends since 2019, sending each other videos and text messages, whether it’s to wish each other happy birthday or a simple good luck message before a game. So when the star forward kicked his 500th major, Henry was the one person he wanted to celebrate with the most.
4. Nuke shows his power
Who can forget this moment against the Western Bulldogs later in the year!? It was probably one of our favourite highlights.
5. 2013 premiership reunion
In September we celebrated our 2013 premiership reunion. Check out what some of our old stars are up to now...
Our favourite posts @hawthornfc
1. Launching our ANZAC guernsey
What a special guernsey we wore at our ANZAC Round match, commemorating the 19 fallen soliders in World War 1 and 2.
2. A win to remember!
Hawthorn kicked the last five goals of the match to snatch victory away from St Kilda at Marvel Stadium in Round 11.
3. Retro Round delight
It was arguably one of the finest wins since Sam Mitchell has been at the helm. The Hawks dominated the eventual premiership winners Collingwood from start to finish at the MCG.
4. Taking down the dogs
The Hawks claimed another big scalp as the Western Bulldogs fell to a thrilling three-point loss at UTAS Stadium in Round 22. The Hawks had all the answers from quarter time to seal the win!
5. A win for the ages
Hawthorn pulled off one of the upsets of the season, downing Brisbane by 25 points at the MCG in June. In what was a real arm wrestle all the day, the Hawks had the answers late, booting the final four goals of the game.
Our favourite tweets @hawthornfc
1. AI fun
We thought we would hop on the AI trend and your suggestions were very creative.
For every 20 Likes we will have some AI fun with this image! 👇 pic.twitter.com/2wrmI6xBnr
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) July 16, 2023
2. Key moments matter
Take a behind-the-scenes look from the team meeting following the club's huge win over Collingwood.
Key. Moments. Matter.
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) August 7, 2023
Sam speaks to the team post the thrilling win against Collingwood. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/FCedw8vDrw
3. Our new captain
Sis' appointment as skipper earlier this year generated plenty of discussion!
Our Skipper Sis! 🤩
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) February 17, 2023
James Sicily has been named our captain for 2023.
DETAILS ⬇️
📝 : https://t.co/cfWilN1EaJ pic.twitter.com/wRROgSJvI1
4. Gunners returns
Gunner's first pic back in the brown and gold.
Welcome home Gunners! 💛🤎 pic.twitter.com/UgOw56pDlD
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) November 13, 2023
5. Ratts is back!
What an appointment! Brett Ratten's return ahead of season 2024 has excited many of you!
Brett Ratten is back! 🤎💛https://t.co/y3AGDMqv21
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) September 26, 2023
