Hawthorn is preparing for its first practice match of 2022, with a game against Collingwood at Morwell Recreation Reserve this Friday.

The free event will be open to the general public from 3pm, and streamed live on Kayo.

Attendees will have the opportunity to make a gold coin donation to support local community cause, CWA Central Group.

An emergency services fan zone will also be present on the day including emergency vehicles, food trucks, kids activities, club mascots and more.

Those involved on the day include Ambulance Victoria, Country Fire Authority, Coast Guard Victoria, DELWP, Life Saving Victoria, Red Cross, SES, VCC Emergencies Ministry and Victoria Police.

An Auskick session will also be held post-game, while Hawthorn membership and merchandise will be available to purchase at the venue.

Fans can follow @hawthornfc on Instagram and Twitter for live updates across the afternoon.

Make sure to also stay tuned across hawthornfc.com.au where the squad will be revealed later this week.

Details:

WHO: Hawthorn v Collingwood
WHAT: Pre-season practice match
WHEN: Friday 25 February, 4pm
WHERE: Morwell Recreation Reserve, Morwell
BROADCAST: Kayo

Last time we met:

Hawthorn (97) def Collingwood (78)

The clash will mark the first time these two sides have met since Round 21 last year. 

That match-up finished in a 19-point upset victory for Hawthorn, as an eight-goal-to-three opening half from the brown and gold proved too strong for Collingwood. 

While the Hawks were reliant on Jacob Koschitzke (3 goals), Dylan Moore (2) and Daniel Howe (2) in the forward line, Jack Ginnivan (3), Brody Mihocek (2), Jamie Elliott (2) were strong for the Magpies.

Tom Mitchell took home three Brownlow votes for his massive 44 disposal and eight clearance performance, while experienced midfielders Chad Wingard (30 touches) and Jaeger O'Meara (27) were also impressive.

Relive Round 21, 2021 below.

07:33

R21: Hawks v Pies | Match Highlights

The Hawks and Pies clash in round 21.

How we're tracking:

Hawthorn has ramped up its pre-season training in recent weeks, conducting both intraclub and match simulation hit-outs at Bunjil Bagora, Waverley Park.

Mitch Lewis and Dylan Moore were influential in the intraclub match, kicking eight and five goals respectively.

Last year’s No. 7 draft pick Josh Ward has been a standout in his first pre-season, both throughout training and during match simulation plays.

Recruit Max Lynch has also been impressive across the summer and continues to battle it out with fellow 23-year-old Ned Reeves for the Hawks’ No. 1 ruck role.

Veteran Jack Gunston has returned to game play after a back injury limited him to just a single game last year, while defender James Sicily is also back to full fitness, having not played since suffering an ACL injury in Round 12, 2020.

Youngsters Changkuoth Jiath (PCL) and Will Day (ankle) are also making strong progress after facing time on the sidelines last year due to their injuries.

Opposition analysis:

The Magpies held a match simulation hit-out last week where Brody Mihocek impressed with three goals, while draftee Nick Daicos lead the way with 24 disposals to his name.

Defender Darcy Moore is back to full fitness after missing the second half of last season with a knee injury, while key defender Jordan Roughead is out of action after recently undergoing shoulder surgery.