Hawthorn’s senior players returned to the Ricoh Centre for their first training session with the full squad on Monday.

Though admitting to receiving a ‘bit of a shock’ when he first heard Sam Mitchell had been traded to West Coast, Jack Gunston said he is excited for the challenges ahead.

“We’ve brought in some quality players, Tom Mitchell played in a grand final last year and played really well, and we know what some of the other guys are capable of.

“It’s an exciting time for the group, and we’re really looking forward to integrating them [the new players] into the Hawthorn system.”

Gunston sees Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis’ departure as an opportunity for some fresh faces to make their mark in the Hawks’ midfield.

“You look at the names on the board, and we’ve definitely got heaps of depth. It gives a great opportunity for the younger guys to stand up and spend more time in the midfield, and show what they’re capable of.”

“Hopefully this year we can move the ball a bit quicker, and work it to our advantage a bit more.”

The boys will head to Mooloolaba next week for pre-season camp, which will be an opportunity for the senior players to bond with their new teammates.

“It’s good to get up there, meet the new guys, and obviously train hard.”

“We’ll do some bike riding, some mountain climbing… It’s good to just mix it up, get away from Melbourne and get in a bit of team bonding as well.”