1. HAWTHORN

The Hawks are too good to ignore. Brian Lake might prove a masterstroke – a one-off recruitment that might prove the difference in a premiership year, as did Stewie Dew in 2008. But not many players are the same after horrendous knee problems, and it’s yet to be seen whether Lake retains the lateral movement and quickness that made him Franklin’s nemesis for so long. In 2011, they were shocked when Collingwood got off the canvas, and last year, they went a step further only to be shocked again by the Swans’ stinging counters. The Hawks will be a hardened, wiser outfit. The club has ruck depth. New recruit, the monstrous Jonathon Ceglar, proved talented around the ground and in the ruck when he was with Collingwood’s VFL side. In fact, they have depth just about everywhere now, to go with breadth and talent. Their hardy, intelligent midfield, led by Mitchell and Hodge, is difficult to dominate. Barring injuries or issues, they will be hard to beat.

Brian Lake Hawthorn AFL Brian Lake may just prove a masterstroke for Hawthorn. Image: Getty Images