Hawthorn Coach Sam Mitchell says he is anticipating a tough challenge against Geelong on Easter Monday despite the reigning premiers having yet to win a game so far this season.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Mitchell said he expected the Cats to respond strongly following a 0-3 start to the season. 

"To come up against last year's premiers with so many great players will be a great experience for our lads and we're looking forward to seeing how we can compete," Mitchell said.

"They've been here before and they've always been a side that's been able to respond, they're a quality outfit and they're better than the way they've been playing.

"A little bit extra time on the track this week means we've been able to get a bit of training in and learn a few extra things. 

"I'm sure they'll be using it in the same way - they'll be better than they have been, no doubt.

"We've just got to put our best foot forward and make sure we're making progress in the direction we need."

The Hawks will enter the Easter Monday clash off the back of recording their first win of the season on Saturday.

Mitchell said it was satisfying to see his side "get some reward for effort".

"We talked last week that we've been working hard and that some things hadn't quite come off," Mitchell said. 

"So on the weekend, getting some reward for effort early and then that giving us the confidence and sprit that was required to play out the game, I was really happy for the boys.

"It was good to see little steps in the right direction around scenarios - it was the first close-ish game we've had for the year and they handled that well.

"I think some of the things we showed was around confidence to play the right way even in difficult situations."

Hear more from Mitchell ahead of Monday's clash with the Cats below.