Following an intense summer of training, the Hawks’ first intraclub of the pre-season got underway in sweltering conditions at Bunjil Bagora on Thursday.

We’ve provided some notes from each quarter on how the intense hit-out unfolded.

QUARTER 1

In front of an eager crowd of onlookers – including Hawthorn royalty with David Parkin, Peter Hudson, Rodney Eade among the attendees – things got underway in hot conditions.

The teams were split into ‘A’ forwards vs ‘A’ defenders which enabled a competitive start to the game.

Key forward Mitch Lewis got things underway with the first goal, while draftee Nick Watson found plenty of the footy and looked lively also with an early goal.

Fellow defender-turned-forward Blake Hardwick was also busy in his new role, recording a major of his own.

There was plenty to like from Henry Hustwaite early with his classy ball skills coming to the fore, while also booting a goal.

There was also some early positive signs from the recruits, with Mabior Chol looking good in a forward/ruck role, slotting a beautiful set shot after taking a brilliant mark.

Returnee Jack Gunston was another to show his strong aerial presence with a goal on the board, while Massimo D’Ambrosio showed his clean foot skills as he played half-back.

The midfield group of James Worpel, Jai Newcombe, Hustwaite, Conor Nash, Josh Ward and Cam Mackenzie all looked strong around the contest in the early stages. 

QUARTER 2

Albeit a scrappier second quarter, the intensity remained high as the temperature continued to soar.

Fresh off a contract extension, Josh Weddle continued to show his elite dash off half back, breaking tackles in the moment, while fellow second-year Hawk Mackenzie continued his impact, showing his composure with the ball in hand.

Defender Denver Grainger-Barras produced a strong period in the second quarter, attacking the ball and taking the game on.

An incredibly uncharacteristic kicking turnover from James Sicily lead to a cheeky Jack Ginnivan dribble goal, which was his first for the day.

Sam Butler was strong with his pressure, placing an impressive tackle on Conor Nash which was deemed holding the ball.

Second-year Hawk Hustwaite was a stand-out in the first half of intraclub, as he continued to demonstrate his classy ball use, putting his name right in the mix to forge a season opener selection.

After an impressive first half on the wing, Changkuoth Jiath walked off the field with scans later confirming a mid-grade hamstring strain.

QUARTER 3

The Hawks switched to an ‘A’ vs ‘B’ setup for the second half of match sim, with Sam Frost and Gunston lining up in the 'A' team to start the second half.

Macdonald was the stand-out for the gold team this quarter, settling well to his high half-forward role, while Hardwick continued to led the small forward brigade.

In some further unfortunate injury news, an injury to James Blanck halted play for a period of time – with scans later confirming that he had ruptured his ACL.

An impressive three-goal term from emerging forward/ruck Max Ramsden was a highlight of the day for the Hawks while a huge goal from Harry Morrison outside 50 also excited fans. 

About to enter his 16th season in the brown and gold, Luke Breust was up to his usual antics, snapping a goal from the pocket.

Draftee Bodie Ryan also showed some positive signs, shrugging off tackles and providing quality intercept marks.

QUARTER 4

Watson again excited onlookers with his flair – ducking and weaving through several players, to kick anther goal which got the crowd cheering.

Ginnivan was also lively, nailing in impressive snap from the left pocket, much again to the delight of onlookers.

After acting as a workhorse in defence the entire game, Sicily also launched a massive kick from outside 50 to slot one home, capping off a fantastic hit-out for the skipper.

Another highlight of the term saw Macdonald fly above the pack to take a ripper mark.

Newcombe was another stand-out across the day, which was catapulted by an impressive passage of play that saw him burst through the middle to deliver it to Hardwick in the forward line.

GOALS

Chol (3), Hardwick (3), Macdonald (3), Ramsden (3), Watson (2), Ginnivan (2), Gunston, Sicily, D’Ambrosio, Morrison, Breust, Lewis, Hustwaite, Ward (VFL) Rule (VFL)

INJURIES

James Blanck (ACL), Changkuoth Jiath (hamstring)

WHAT’S NEXT?

The Hawks will get their first taste of opposition ahead of the 2024 season when they face the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval next Friday from 11am. The club will then head to Launceston to host the Dogs again at University of Tasmania Stadium on Saturday 2 March for its official AAMI Community Series practice match.