Jack Di Mizio rates Kiewa-Sandy Creek's list the equivalent of any since arriving at the club in 2018 from Wodonga Raiders.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Hawks won their most recent flag in 2018 before losing to Barnawartha in the preliminary final the following season.
The league powerhouse has had one of the biggest turnovers of any club since 2019 with more than half-a-dozen new faces playing in the opening rounds.
Wodonga trio Josh Hicks, Nick Beattie and Chris Lewis have injected further class and experience.
While Tristan Mann, Dillon Blaszczyk and Jack Haughen are also handy pick-ups.
Mitch Paton has also returned from a shoulder injury and provides a focal point in attack.
The retirement of prolific goalkicker Guy Telford and Ben Murphy after a workplace accident and the departarture of ruckman Tim Darcy to Jindera are the Hawks three biggest losses.
IN OTHER NEWS
Di Mizio feels the Hawks have more than covered their departures.
"It's a good mix this year with Josh Hicks, Nick Beattie and Chris Lewis all boasting O&M experience," Di Mizio said.
"Then there are some talented young blokes coming through as well.
"Nick Beattie provides a strong marking target deep in attack and plays a similar role to Telford.
"Mitch Paton coming back from injury gives us another big target.
"Then there are the small forwards in Ryan Wallace and Jason Bartel which gives us a good mix up forward.
"I think we are a lot less predictable going forward this season and every one of our forwards is a dangerous option."
"I think we are a lot less predictable going forward this season and every one of our forwards is a dangerous option."
- Jack Di Mizio
After five rounds Yackandandah remains the only undefeated side in what is widely regarded as the most competitive season in recent history.
At least seven sides look to have legitimate finals credentials with the Roos and Rutherglen emerging as top-five contenders.
Di Mizio said the even nature of the competition has added a lot more intrigue.
"You have to come to play each week or risk getting beat," he said.
"That's what you want, knowing that you are in for a contest each week and there are not many easy games.
"It helps generate a lot more interest in the competition and sets the scene for a fascinating finals series."
The Hawks are set to welcome back Michael Thompson and Mitch Paton for the clash against Barnawartha.
The Tigers won their most recent clash in the 2019 preliminary final.
