ASSISTANT coach Damian Carroll says the Hawks will back their structures in, rather than focusing on a new-look Geelong outfit ahead of the sides' Round 1 clash on Easter Monday.

The Hawks' midfield coach said they wouldn’t put too much focus on tagging some of the Cats’ star midfielders, instead taking a holistic approach to winning the ball in the middle.

“Obviously we tend to back our system in, but guys like Dangerfield and Selwood are pretty crucial to the Cats, so we need to respect them – particularly around the stoppages,” he said.

“It’s probably more of a team defence, but we do have guys capable of playing run with roles.”

Carroll said the midfield battle was key to ensuring that the Hawks get enough of the ball forward of centre to kick a winning score against their arch rivals.

“We’re obviously going to have to give ourselves enough opportunities in the forward half,” he said.

“If we can get the supply down there and put a lot of pressure on their defenders I think that’s going to give us a good chance.

“The other side of that is eliminating the amount of opportunity their key forwards get so we don’t let them kick a winning score.”

After a lengthy pre-season, Carroll said the players were ready to go.

“Everyone feels they’ve had a really good pre-season – the boys are certainly ready to head into the season proper and play against a good opposition on a big day," he said.

“A lot of the boys who didn’t play in last year’s Grand Final or who have come into the club as newly drafted players are itching for an opportunity.

“We feel that some of them have done a really good apprenticeship at Box Hill level and have played in some big games of VFL footy – we’re looking for that next group to jump up and give us some good depth throughout the season.”

The form of star recruit Dangerfield as well as the addition of Lachie Henderson and Zac Smith has reaffirmed the respect that the Hawks have for Geelong, according to Carroll.

“They’ve obviously strengthened their midfield with Dangerfield, who’s been super impressive in the practice games,” he said.

“Zac Smith has been good in the ruck and Henderson holding down a key-back position is certainly a different look to what they had last season.

“(Joel) Selwood will be back as well, so we certainly respect them – not just their on-field footy club but off-field as well.”