Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell is out to prove the doubters wrong on a tough run home as a tricky final month looms.

The Hawks laid the platform early for the four-goal win over Carlton but the task only gets more difficult from here as Mitchell’s side look to emulate last season’s run to September.

The win sees the Hawks temporarily climb into the top four, but with fixtures against Adelaide, Collingwood, Melbourne and Brisbane to come, Hawthorn’s place in the eight isn’t yet guaranteed.

FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.

“Our destiny is in our hands… right now we’re fourth on the ladder and we play the teams in front of us,” Mitchell said post-match.

“You guys don’t think we’re going to make the finals and time will tell, but we’re certainly looking up.

“If we can get the job done in Adelaide next week then that well and truly puts the ball in our court, and that’s what every team wants.”

Despite a 13-6 record, Mitchell said the Hawks are still seeking consistency in and between games.

“We saw patches of some pretty good footy but were quite often let down by just one piece of skill,” Mitchell continued.

“If we can put our best footy together then we think we can really trouble the best sides.”

Star midfielder Will Day returned from a foot injury to play his first match since round three, showcasing why he is just so crucial to Hawthorn’s setup.

Day had 15 disposals and five tackles, but he adds another dimension of versatility to Hawthorn’s on-ball brigade.

Docherty farewell ends in loss | 02:16

“He’s an ultimate professional… we’re really pleased we were able to get him through the game in a healthy way,” Mitchell said.

Following on from Day’s return, plus the inclusion of Mitch Lewis from an ACL injury last week, there’s a selection squeeze looming at Waverley Park.

Lewis was strong with two goals from 14 disposals and six marks, while young key forward Calsher Dear flew for everything, slotting two majors himself. Veteran Jack Gunston bagged three goals from 18 disposals and continued to wind back the clock.

Hawthorn’s also got some pretty talented players out of the side at the moment. Young tall Max Ramsden hasn’t done a lot wrong when given opportunities, while midfielder Cam Mackenzie and defensive trio Changkuoth Jiath, Jai Serong and Seamus Mitchell have also shown they’re capable AFL players.

Take a bow! Docherty scores in last game | 00:32

Mabior Chol will hope to find his way back into the side after dealing with groin soreness the past fortnight and then there’s names such as Sam Butler, Ned Reeves and Henry Hustwaite who are also in strong form at VFL level.

“We’re going to have to make some tough decisions going forward. The mix of the team is always debated… There’s a bit of a mix to the team that’s going to take a bit of nuance,” Mitchell said.

“If you go and look at the best teams, there’s pretty good players not playing in most of those sides and we’d like to think we’re one of them.”

Midfield bull Jai Newcombe was subbed out tactically early in the game but is expected to be fine for the clash against the Crows.