From gruelling training sessions to some more low-key moments on the beach, we've summarised all the action from Hawthorn's pre-season camp in Torquay this week.
The three-day camp provided a great opportunity for the team to bond, while also giving players, coaches and staff the opportunity to build upon the club's football program ahead of its 2024 campaign.
DAY 1
With the sun out and temperatures reaching 25 degrees, the first day of Hawthorn’s pre-season camp was full of plenty of action.
The group kicked things off by stepping in rivalry territory of Geelong to partake in a training session at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds.
Bannockburn local and former Geelong Falcons player, James Worpel fronted the media to chat following training, which included some reminiscing to his old days.
The players enjoyed a delivery of sandwiches from a local cafe Rossco's for lunch before checking into what would be their home base for the next three nights, The Sands Torquay.
Once back at the accomodation it was time for some pool recovery, followed by a strength session at local gym Torquay Body Sculpting & Fitness.
All staff and players then went down to Whites Beach where Traditional Owner Jordy performed a Welcome to Country on Wadawurrung land.
An exciting announcement finished off the night, with Coach Sam Mitchell sharing the news that young defender James Blanck has signed on for two more years during a team meeting.
DAY 2
Day two begun nice and early at 7.30am where the group headed down to Torquay Football Club for a light session.
Another gym session at The Sands followed later that day before some well-deserved down time finished off the day.
In their spare time, the players and coaches were lucky enough to be able to explore Torquay and its surrounds for a few hours.
A small group headed by forwards coach Adrian Hickmott opted to visit Torquay Surf Beach to try their hand at some surfing.
Others decided to spend their free time golfing - with the likes of Jai Newcombe, Lloyd Meek and Sam Butler all having a swing at The Sands golf course.
It was then time for each line to split up, with the coaches organising activities and dinners for each of their groups.
DAY 3
The third day of pre-season camp was the biggest of them all, with a jam-packed itinerary awaiting the group.
Kicking off with breakfast and morning meetings at The Sands, it was time to head back to Deakin University for the main training session of the week.
With a little over a month before the Hawks season opener, a significant block of match simulation was on the cards as the group strived to put into practice their learnings from the pre-season.
The players then made their way back to The Sands for the last time, with line groups yet again going through several rotations before wrapping things up.
After a demanding yet fun last three days, the group departed the region on Wednesday afternoon and will now head into a four-day break before normal programming resumes on Monday.
A big thank you to both The Sands Torquay, Torquay Football Club and Deakin University for their efforts in helping the club achieve a successful pre-season camp.
