Hawthorn took part in its first official hit-out of the season on Wednesday, heading to La Trobe in Bundoora for its intraclub.

Most of the club’s playing list took part in the clash – eight days before the Hawks take on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in a match simulation next week.

In case you missed it, here are some of the key moments from the intraclub below.

NEW RECRUITS IMPRESS

Fresh faces Karl Amon, Lloyd Meek and Fergus Greene all look set to slot into coach Sam Mitchell’s Round 1 side after impressive performances.

Amon, who was also picked up by the Hawks in last year’s trade period, was a stand-out across half-back and on the wing, providing plenty of run and class.

The 27-year-old has caught the attention of teammates and coaches since arriving from Port Adelaide, banking a strong pre-season over the summer so far.

Rookie forward Greene is also putting himself in strong contention for a Round 1 selection after dominating up forward, with his endurance a stand-out.  

The 25-year-old, who joined the Hawks at the start of this season, was involved in a handful of goals, combining with Dylan Moore for two direct goals.

Greene, who earned his spot on the Hawks list after 83 goals from 26 VFL games for Box Hill, led well and was a constant scoreboard threat during the hit-out.

MOORE PLEASE

Fresh from inking a new contract extension, Dylan Moore was another stand-out on Wednesday, playing across half-forward.

Moore established himself as the superior forward for the night, burning the turf particularly early, bagging three goals in the first half and setting up several others.

Moore’s career resurrection from almost being delisted to being a key pillar of the Hawks future was signed off last week when he put pen to paper on a three-year contract.

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RUCKS COMBINE

Former Docker Lloyd Meek is already proving to be an impressive coup for the Hawks, providing many highlights throughout the night to get the brown and gold faithful excited.

The big man looked the part in the ruck, but it was his presence forward and strong contested marking which particularly stood out.

With Mitch Lewis missing the opening part of the season, the Hawks will need a big-marking presence deep and in the second quarter Meek showed he can fit the bill.

Meek combined with Ned Reeves in the early stages of the game, which saw them work well together in tandem.

The duo rotated between the ruck and a key forward role, before spending time going up against each other in the second half.

Reeves, who signed a new three-year contract extension this week, also showed his presence deep inside 50, finishing the game with a goal after an impressive grab.

DRAFTEES SHINE

While first-round picks Cam Mackenzie (Pick 7) and Josh Weddle (Pick 18) have produced impressive maiden pre-seasons, Henry Hustwaite (Pick 37) also proved a striking presence among the draftees, standing out with his poise through the middle of the ground.

Hustwaite showed great composure in traffic, and in the second quarter his strength in the contest came to the fore.

Mackenzie also produced some exciting moments through the midfield, while Weddle caught the attention of onlookers with his dashing pace.

SOLID IN DEFENCE

Hawthorn’s back six looks fairly settled with Sam Frost and James Blanck playing in key posts around James Sicily, alongside Blake Hardwick and running defenders Changkuoth Jiath and Jarman Impey.

Now heading into his sixth season in the brown and gold, Impey looks back to his best after an injury-interrupted 2022 campaign.

Jiath showed his trademark dash and dare, while Frost got himself in some good defensive positions on multiple occasions to intercept the forward forays.

In a surprise twist, Hardwick also spent some time up forward in the third and kicked a goal, much to the delight of the crowd.

YOUNGSTERS MAKE THEIR MARK

Emerging star Will Day looks primed to slot into Hawthorn’s midfield brigade this season after a stand-out performance.

Day, who had shown exciting glimpses as a damaging rebounding defender across his first three seasons with the Hawks, is set to be exposed in the midfield more often this season after spending a lot of the summer training with Hawthorn’s on-ballers.

The 21-year old impressed during his stints on the ball, while he also spent some time on the wing, with the midfield looking set to become a natural fit for the youngster in 2024.

Fellow first-round draftee Josh Ward, who’s been hampered by hip and groin issues this pre-season, was another to move well in the midfield.

The 19-year-old, who also recently a two-year contract, covered the ground well and provided plenty of drive with his left foot.

The youngster, who impressed in his maiden season with his endurance, again stood out with his running ability, earning touches all over the ground.