The Hawks have secured the return of three significant players as they prepare to defend their premiership title in the upcoming 2026 season. Among the new additions is Noah Wheeler, a former Michelsen medallist, who is returning to Canterbury Park after a year-long recovery from an ACL injury. Joining him are Lewin Davis, who is set to make his comeback with the Hawks after a two-year absence, and Oscar White, a former South Bendigo midfielder who will be bringing his talents to the club.
Wheeler’s return is particularly noteworthy, as he was a key player in the Hawks’ successful campaign prior to his injury in 2023. During the 2024 season, he was sidelined but made a strong comeback in 2025, earning a spot in the Northern league’s team of the year after being named among his side’s best players in 10 of 13 matches. His addition to the Hawks’ already robust midfield, which is led by this year’s Michelsen medallist Billy Evans, promises to enhance their on-ball performance significantly.
Davis is also expected to make an impact with his precise ball use and scoring ability, while White’s elite running skills will further bolster the Hawks’ midfield dynamics. All three players previously played together at the Northern league club Banyule, creating a sense of familiarity and cohesion as they rejoin the Hawks.
Hawks co-coach Travis Matheson expressed his excitement about the new recruits. “Noah and Lewin are both players we have remained close with and are deeply respected at the club,” he stated. “They truly enjoyed their time here, so their return is something we hoped would happen. It’s a good result for everyone.”
Matheson highlighted Wheeler’s impressive return to form, noting he finished fourth in the league MVP rankings last season. “He’ll come back and be the Noah we know,” he said, underscoring the player’s potential impact on the field.
In addition to the returning players, Matheson commented on the flexibility within the team’s midfield. “Most boys in there can play in more than one position, so no doubt we will remain strong through that area of the ground. But it will allow us options to strengthen other parts of the ground as well,” he explained.
The Hawks’ recruitment strategy appears to be off to a strong start after they celebrated their 28th premiership. The team, which triumphed over the Dragons by 10 points despite trailing by 22 points at three-quarter time, has only lost midfielder Joel Budarick, who is moving to Perth for career opportunities. Matheson acknowledged Budarick’s contributions during the championship season, stating, “We will miss Joel – he was obviously great for us. The door is always open for Joel.”
As they prepare for the challenges of the next season, the Hawks are determined not to rest on their laurels. Matheson acknowledged the shift in dynamics that comes with being reigning premiers. “Every time we come up against a team, they will be wanting to knock us off. From that perspective, it does make going back-to-back a lot harder,” he remarked.
With these strategic additions and a strong core group, the Hawks are poised to tackle the upcoming season with renewed vigor, aiming to solidify their position as a dominant force in the league.
