After some recent controversy surrounding maligned premiership recruit Jack Ginnivan, Hawthorn have publicly supported their new young forward, with best & fairest winner Will Day sharing his excitement for the club's latest addition.
22-year-old Day believes with Ginnivan the Hawks could hold a "Luke Breust (protoge)", as he shared during a club press conference on Monday ahead of the National Draft.
"Yeah he's gonna be awesome for us... (he's) in good nick, looks like he's been putting the work in which is really exciting to see"
"Footy-wise, just knowing where the goals are is pretty handy."
With over 40 majors in Collingwood's shock preliminary final season in 2022, before featuring in the Magpies' 2023 premiership victory, Ginnivan has shown the pedigree to make a strong impact on a contending side, as Hawthorn hope to be in the near future.
Despite Ginnivan's well-documented reputation as a polarising player, Day says the club is welcoming all-comers with open arms.
"I'm sure around the club, he'll be himself and we really pride ourselves on everything being themself," Day said.
"I think Sam (Mitchell) is a big driver of that and everyone feels really comfortable around here."
Ginnivan turned heads last season after a Moonee Valley races trip less than 24 hours out from Collingwood's Grand Final appearance, a decision which followed a two-match ban for illicit drug use at the beginning of the season.
Day's comments speak to a mantra of growth at Hawthorn, as the club welcomes high-profile recruits such as Ginnivan and nurtures the rise of young stars like Cameron Mackenzie and Josh Ward, providing a supportive environment for them to flourish in.
"This year again there's some guys that are really taking another step and especially for that midfield, we're gonna have plenty gunning for it... it'll make the guys in there now have to go to another level again," Day believes.
"Wardy's (Josh Ward) had a few interruptions his first few years, so it's good to see that his body's holding up really well and I reckon he'll have an awesome preseason."
"Cam McKenzie, Josh Weddle, guys like that who will now have their first full pre-season, it'll be really exciting to see what they can do."
As for himself, best & fairest winner Day is quickly moving on from his breakout season, emphasising the club's forward-moving focus.
"I think I'm still scratching the surface with where I can go, having my first year in the midfield I've still got plenty to learn," he added.
"I'll still look to Jai Newcombe and James Worpel who have been around the midfield a bit longer than me, so I'm still going upwards and trying to find where I can get to."
