The Hawthorn Hawks are the youngest Victorian-based team in the AFL. Founded in 1902 in the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn, the Hawks are the only team to have won premierships in every decade up to, and including, the 2010s. The club has participated in the finals series in 6 of the past 12 years, and won three consecutive premierships in 2013, 2014 and 2015, making it the most successful club in the last 50 years.

However, the departure of iconic coach Alastair Clarkson, paired with the youngest list in the AFL has forced a major change at the club whereby Hawthorn have struggled to recapture the same strength they showed throughout the 2010s. With solid progression in 2023, and an extra year of experience to its young players, Hawthorn will look to make another jump in season 2024, in an attempt to reach the pinnacle of success.

The team play their home matches at the MCG, and will play an additional four at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston given their large Tasmanian following.