Hawthorn fan Brad Klibansky (@BradKlibansky on X) names his top five Hawks for AFL Fantasy in 2026. Brad is part of Hawks Insiders, a group of Hawthorn fans who love their club and ride the bumps with a grin! Check out their stuff this pre-season and also Brad’s work on X as he gives plenty of info from the track including best 23s. Brad shares his love of Fantasy and plenty of names from the Hawks who could be relevant this season.
As we celebrate 20 seasons of DT Talk, Warnie chats with a friend from the journey as we look at the best options from their club. Tune in for all 18 clubs.
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on The Weekend Wash-Up | Round 1 Wreckage: “Thanks as always for an amazing podcast Matt I’m sure it’s your year to win the hat/car Should I take…” Mar 21, 14:19
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Calvin’s Captains – Rd. 2
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AFL Teams 2026: Round 2 (Early bye 1)
The Thursday Scramble
The Thursday Scramble: Round 2 (Early Bye 1)
The Preseason
Match simulation Fantasy scores
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Fry’s Cash Cows – 2026 Rookie Watchlist
The Preseason
Club-by-club key Fantasy takeaway from Match Sim
How is Bailey MacDonald doing? Provides dash off the backline similar to Jiath who has now departed. 6 games last year with small TOG as sub. Looked good and looked like Mitchell grooming him as young upwardly mobile unit. Any chance of a game round 1 as basement price defender and would improve his AV even if he only got 50% TOG? He would potentially be better scorer than a lot of the basement defender options we have if he gets picked and good TOG. One for the watch list?
Unfortunately he’s behind too many in his best position- half back. He will likely only play this season if one of Amon or Impey gets injured. He can also play wing but is behind Weddle, D’Ambrosio and Morrison.
The Hawks back 7 of Hardwick, Barrass, Battle, Impey, Sicily, Amon and Scrimshaw is locked. It’s a top 3 defence in the AFL and won’t change unless there’s injuries or suspension.
Thanks for the info and opinion. Agree it’s tough for him. When he got games as sub from memory I think all the above were still playing possibly with the exception of Morrison but could be wrong with this. I would have to cross check all players game records to see if he filled in for an injury to one of the above each time and probably just easier to see if he makes the OR team.
You didn’t mention C. Mackenzie, do you think he is on the outer or just not in that midfield mix? No worpel or day?
To be fair, they are only meant to discuss 5 or so players and Mackenzie is probably not one of their main hopes. Also, Worpel now plays for Geelong and Day is out injured. Like all the others, there was a lot of waffle prior to discussing the Hawks fantasy prospects.
He will likely be in the mix for a spot in the 23 but too risky to start with. Newcombe, Nash and Ward will be the starting 3. Connor MacDonald next in line. All of Watson, Moore, Weddle and Butler will also get CBA’s at times. Mackenzie also plays outside when he’s been in the team, which isn’t great for fantasy unless you take marks, which he does not.
If C.Mackenzie starts in the best 23 it will be on the bench and his TOG will be low. He’s having a good pre-season but even with Day out injured and Worpel gone, he’s still behind too many.