Following the announcement, Hawthorn finished the season strongly with wins over premiership contenders, Brisbane, and the Western Bulldogs.
For the first and only time under Alastair Clarkson, the club failed to qualify for finals for the third consecutive season.
Luke Breust topped the club goalkicking for the third time, finishing the season with 33 goals.
[7] Hawthorn continued its alignment with the Box Hill Hawks Football Club in the Victorian Football League, allowing Hawthorn-listed players to play with the Box Hill Hawks when not selected in AFL matches.
Hawthorn will have two selections due to Jonathon Pattons retirement and James Sicily being placed on the long-term injury list.