Hawthorn Coach Sam Mitchell says he has been impressed by recruit forward Fergus Greene in the early stages of the season.

The first-year Hawk is currently equal with veteran Luke Breust in leading the club's goal kicking tally so far in 2023 after having arrived last year from Box Hill. 

Mitchell said he was not surprised by Greene's capabilities after having seen a glimpse of his talent when he was coach at Box Hill in 2021. 

"At the start, he had a couple of moments where, like all of us, we get a bit overwhelmed by certain situations," Mitchell said. 

"But once he found his feet, found the level again and worked out the speed of the game and how his teammates move, he's now playing a very similar game like he did at Box Hill. 

"What he's doing now is exactly the reason why we picked him up. He's been a capable goal kicker, but his score assists and involvements have been really strong - he's a genuine forward. 

"In a side that's struggling to find ways to score, he's someone who we can rely on, he's going to try and find a way."

Hawthorn is preparing to travel to Tasmania to take on Adelaide at UTAS Stadium for its ANZAC Round clash on Sunday. 

"If you look at the Crows statistically over the last three weeks they're the in-form team of the competition, so we've got our work cut out for us," Mitchell said. 

"We've got a few plans that we think can trouble them and we know we have to be on our game.

"It's an exciting time to play them when they're on the back of three wins, we're looking forward it."

The Hawks named its 26-man squad yesterday, with ruckman Max Lynch among the names in contention to make the final team.

Mitchell said Lynch was doing all the right things to put himself in contention for senior selection. 

"He's worked really hard, in particular his last two games at Box Hill we've seen him just be the dominant big man," Mitchell said. 

"His physicality around the ball has been really good in the last two games at Box Hill - we'll make a decision later today on the second ruck."

Mitchell added that youngster Max Ramsden was another ruckman who was close to possibly throwing his hat in the ring. 

"We had a pretty honest conversation with the rucks last week and obviously Ned Reeves really stood up and had a fantastic game," Mitchell said. 

"Rama (Ramsden) is coming fast - he's kicking consistent goals at Box Hill, his forward craft is really growing. 

"He has still got a fair bit of work to do in the ruck, obviously his lighter frame makes it more difficult for him, but if he continues at the form he is at now he'll be putting his hand up for selection

"He hasn't quite cracked the squad, but I've been really open with him that if he keeps performing at this rate then when an opportunity comes, we'll be more than willing to play him."

Meanwhile, Mitchell also spoke on the anticipated return of key forward Mitch Lewis who could be available for selection next week for what would be his first game of the season after recovering from a knee injury. 

"He wasn't available this week much to his disappointment - I think he would've called himself as available - but our medical team are really strong and next week is his first potentially available so we'll see how he gets through," Mitchell said. 

"He'll have three training sessions before the next game, one of those will be quite significant.

"So we've got to make sure he trains well and recovers well from that, and if so he'll put his hand up for selection next week."

Hear Mitchell's full press conference below.