JACK Gunston says Hawthorn's pre-season training camp in Mooloolaba will give the team a great opportunity to bond with the newest additions to the list.
Beginning the camp on Friday, the Hawks will train on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast until December 20, as players newly welcomed into the club through the draft and trade become accustomed with their new teammates.
“You notice that we’re a pretty tight group and coming up here really helps that,” Gunston told media in Queensland.
“(It’s) good bonding time and good to get away with just the 48 or so blokes and the coaches and really hone in and get to know the new guys as well.”
No strangers to the Sunshine Coast, this will be the fourth time in the last five years the Hawks have made the trip to north for their pre-season camp.
The heat and humidity a key to buildings their fitness bases for the preseason ahead.
“I think obviously the heat factor’s a strong one, it’s good to come up here for 10 or 11 days and take in the sun and get a nice sweat out, and I know a few of the boys love getting a tan," he said.
While the team’s newest batch of draftees will have a managed workload as they enter their first AFL pre-season, Gunston expects there to be fierce competition for places in the best 22 come Round 1.
“We’ve got three guys that have left the club from the grand final team last year, so three spots opening up for some younger guys and I’m sure you’ll see some fresh faces come through and play throughout the year," he said.
“Everyone on the list is a chance to play Round 1, so you give everyone the same opportunity but in saying that a lot of the second and third year guys who are busting for an opportunity have played some good VFL footy, so I’m sure Round 1, hopefully we’ll have everyone available."
