Hawthorn are set to take on the Geelong Cats in the first of two pre-season practice matches, with one Hawk making a last-ditch effort to be in consideration for a starting position for Opening Round.
Experienced Hawthorn defender Sam Frost is set to feature in the Hawks' warm-up match on Monday after being sidelined with a broken foot he suffered in the elimination final victory over the Bulldogs last September.
Over the past month, Frost has ramped up his training load, featuring in a quarter of Hawthorn's unofficial intra-club last weekend at Waverley Park before completing Saturday's final session ahead of the Cats clash.
Last Saturday Frost came on and played in the defensive unit that contained the likes of new recruits Tom Barrass and Josh Battle and didn't look like he had missed a trick, fitting in seamlessly.
During the match simulation, Frost was seen tangling with Hawthorn live wire Nick Watson while playing as his direct opponent, pointing to a possible change in role that would allow incumbent small defender Blake Hardwick the opportunity to play forward.
With the arrival of the two new key defensive backs and the emergence of Jack Scrimshaw as a key defender, Frost will be looking to find his place in the new-look Hawthorn backline and aim to continue his stellar form from 2024.
In arguably career-best form last season, Frost became a crucial player in Sam Mitchell's team. Featuring in 24 out of a possible 25 games, he often played on the deepest forward and nullified his opponent through a combination of closing speed and dogged determination.
The key defender worked extensively on his disposal as well, becoming more consistent and reliable with the ball in his hand.
Frost's final game of 2024 was a pivotal one for the Hawks in which he helped stop influential trio Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton from dominating the undersized Hawks defence.
Frost cruelly sustained his season-ending injury that derailed his first finals campaign for the Hawks late into the win that he helped orchestrate, keeping the enigmatic Ugle-Hagan to just four touches and one behind.
Despite being injured, Frost played the game out, ensuring he didn't leave the team undermanned in a cutthroat final at the MCG.
Although his season ended abruptly, it did not curtail the defender's influence in the team. He was seen assisting and supporting Hawks backline coach Kade Simpson in the lead-up to the team's semi-final clash against Port Adelaide.
The 31-year-old was recognised as the best clubman at Hawthorn's Peter Crimmins Medal, showing his standing at the club and why Sam Mitchell described him as โone of my favouritesโ.
At the end of the 2024 season, Frost had offers from rival clubs, led by grand finalist Sydney, who tried to lure the veteran away from Bunjil Bagora, however he chose to stay in the brown and gold.
Frost is seeking success at the Hawks where he has been a stalwart in defence since he was traded to the club back in 2020 after stints at GWS and Melbourne.
The road to recovery hasn't been easy for the new father, who recently welcomed his first child with his partner Laura, however his determination to reclaim his spot has been on show.
Currently sitting at 92 games for the Hawks, and with one season left on his contract, Frost is aiming to make it to 100 games for the club in 2025, but more importantly, cement his place in a team that has premiership aspirations.
With less than three weeks until the Hawks' season opener against the Swans at the SCG, Monday's practice match is the perfect opportunity for Frost to remind Mitchell and his coaching staff of his importance to the team's flag tilt in 2025.
