With seven weeks until their AFL season starts in 2025, the Hawthorn team continued to raise the energy levels and standards during a tough match simulation that took place in front of a couple of Hawthorn premiership heroes in Luke Hodge and Jarryd Roughead, who had come to see Cooper Hodge in his first training session at Bunjil Bagora.
The Hawks took part in a gruelling 60-minute match simulation that saw multiple players tried in different positions, as well as a few young guns who put their hand up to be in contention for selection for the first practice match against Geelong in three weeks' time.
Will Day starred during the simulation, playing both as a midfielder, where he previously was a Peter Crimmins Medal winner in 2023, and also as a deep forward.
Day missed Hawthorn's finals charge last year due to a nasty collarbone injury but has looked back to his physical best since returning from the Christmas break.
Day, partnered with Jai Newcombe and James Worpel, oozed class through the midfield and looked promising when resting forward, which will give the Hawks another potential weapon in an already dangerous forward line.
Young gun Cam Mackenzie, who was selected with the seventh pick in the 2022 draft, continues to show excellent promise as he gains more midfield time.
His composure with the ball in hand, as well as his toughness, was on display as he gathered centre clearances and used his evasiveness to get out of trouble when in congestion.
Similar to Day, Mackenzie missed Hawthorn's finals series and is no doubt looking to help drive the Hawks towards another tilt at a premiership.
Josh Ward, who missed a fortnight of match simulation through illness, had the opportunity of more midfield time during today's session, where he looked comfortable and was able to use his endurance and speed to help set up attacking forays.
Ward, who played arguably his best game for Hawthorn in the Elimination finals win against the Bulldogs, reminded Hawks midfield coach David Hale with his performance today of the depth that Hawthorn currently have within the midfield.
Nick Watson starred in his first main hitout of match simulation this pre-season.
Watson, who was on a managed training load after the Christmas break, exploded during today's session, looking incredibly lively and a genuine threat to the defence every time he went near the ball.
He also took one of the best marks to be seen at training, where he launched and took a one-handed screamer, with teammate Seamus Mitchell forced to be an impromptu hanger bag.
WATCH: Hawthorn forward takes magical hanger during pre-season hitout
Max Ramsden partnered with Mabior Chol in a forward line that took on key defensive pillars Jack Scrimshaw and Tom Barrass.
Ramsden, who was the sixth pick in the Mid-Season Draft in 2022, was involved in a piece of play where he helped set up Blake Hardwick through his defensive pressure and an excellent kick on the run.
Ramsden, who has played predominantly as a ruck forward, has been a shining light this pre-season as a tall forward and will be looking to stake a claim for the vacant key forward position left behind through injuries to Calsher Dear and Mitch Lewis.
Ned Reeves battled away with Lloyd Meek in a fascinating contest as both look to lay claim to the number one ruck position.
Meek, who is the incumbent ruckman, was able to push forward and have an opportunity on goal, before Reeves returned the favour, working forward to take a contested mark and kicked truly.
Since 2023, Sam Mitchell has been reluctant to play two rucks in a game, and with the sub rule not changing for Season 2025, it will be an interesting watch to see who can take the opportunity to secure the number one ruck position.
The Hawks head off to Torquay next week for a team camp before building up their preparation for their first match practice against Geelong on February 17.
