But despite all the hurdles and injury, one thing remains the same; the Hawks are still at the top of the table and still one of the league's most feared sides.
There was no better illustration of that than Saturday's goal blitz against Gold Coast.
After an even first term, the Hawks kicked 9.2 to nothing between the second and third terms. With a flick of a switch the game was over.
Minus coach Alastair Clarkson, the Hawks haven't skipped a beat.
The Hawks' depth and mix of experience are perhaps their biggest assets. Against the Suns they had five players with more than 200 games experience. At the other end of the scale, the likes of Bradley Hill, Taylor Duryea and Matt Spangher look like season campaigners with barely 100 games between them.
With a midfield that bats deeper than most, the Hawks give their array of talls and smalls delivery opposition forwards would envy.
The Hawks' attacking threats have feasted on quality supply. Jarryd Roughead and Luke Breust have booted 38 goals each. In all, eight players have booted 10 or more goals this season.
Breust's efforts have been quite remarkable. He's kicked 26 goals since last registering a behind and is closing in a record (29) held by Tony Lockett for 19 years.
Cyril Rioli's absence due to a hamstring injury will hurt, but perhaps not as much as many would expect.
Not many could doubt the impact of a player averaging 16 disposals and 2 goals a game though. North certainly won't be disappointed he'll miss Friday night.
There aren't many weaknesses with the reigning premiers, but the Kangaroos, a side that relies heavily on their key-forwards, have reason for optimism.
The Hawks have struggled somewhat to quell the opposition's tall forwards. Tom Lynch and Charlie Dixon booted multiple goals last week, Travis Cloke slotted five the week before and Levi Casboult booted four in Round 13.
