The Hawks have announced the addition of three significant players to bolster their squad for the upcoming 2026 season. Among these recruits is Noah Wheeler, a former Michelsen medallist, who returns to the club after a year away due to injury. Alongside him, Lewin Davis will rejoin the team after a two-year hiatus, and Oscar White, a former midfielder for South Bendigo, also makes his way to the Hawks.
Wheeler’s return is particularly noteworthy, as he is expected to enhance an already impressive on-ball lineup led by this year’s Michelsen medallist, Billy Evans. After suffering an ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, Wheeler made a strong comeback in 2025. He was consistently among his team’s top performers, being named in the best players for ten out of thirteen games and securing a spot in the Northern league’s team of the year.
Davis, known for his precise ball use and scoring ability, will add excitement to the Hawks’ attacking options. His time away from the club has not diminished the respect he holds among the team. White, who previously played for South Bendigo from 2021 to 2023, joins the Hawks after being awarded Banyule’s best and fairest this past season. His speed and endurance will further enhance the Hawks’ midfield strength.
Hawks co-coach Travis Matheson expressed enthusiasm about the new recruits, highlighting their strong connections to the club. “Noah and Lewin were two boys we have remained really close with and are obviously deeply respected by people at the club,” he stated. He also noted that their return signifies a positive outcome for the team: “You don’t win a Michelsen unless you are doing something right, so getting Noah back is huge.”
Matheson acknowledged the importance of Wheeler’s performance, especially after his challenging recovery period. “He’ll come back and be the Noah we know,” he added. With the addition of these players, the Hawks aim to maintain their competitive edge. Matheson commented on the potential for flexibility within the midfield, stating, “Most boys in there can play in more than one position, so no doubt we will remain strong through that area of the ground.”
The Hawks are coming off a successful season, having secured their 28th premiership title. Their remarkable comeback victory, overcoming a 22-point deficit against the Dragons to win by ten points, has set a high bar for the upcoming year. The team has only lost Joel Budarick, who is relocating to Perth for work opportunities, but Matheson acknowledged his crucial contributions to the premiership season.
As the reigning champions, the Hawks understand that they will face heightened expectations and challenges in the 2026 season. Matheson remarked on the shift in dynamics that comes with being the defending champions: “The challenge absolutely for us next year is the fact every time we come up against a team, they will be wanting to knock us off.” He emphasized that the competition will be more intense, making the quest for back-to-back titles even more demanding.
The early recruitment efforts signal the Hawks’ determination to reinforce their lineup and continue their successful trajectory. With the integration of Wheeler, Davis, and White, the team is poised to face the new season with optimism and ambition.
