Assistant Coach Kade Simpson spoke to the media following Hawthorn's match simulation against the Western Bulldogs on Friday. 

Hear some of the key points from Simpson below.

On the hit-out

"I think like most practice games it was a bit scrappy and a bit windy, so some difficult conditions, but I think we got a good hit-out. We saw some guys in different positions, so we're looking forward to watching it back. At the start we probably underestimated the breeze, and they got on top. We weren't playing the way we wanted to, so we changed a few things, and it was a good response in the second half that we almost drew back level."

On who impressed on the day

"I think Henry Hustwaite and Cam Mackenzie were both solid... they've been awesome all pre-season, so now to see them do it against opposition and against some good players (was impressive). They've carried on from what they've been doing all summer. Henry is just really eager to learn and not afraid to match it with the big guys. All summer he has been going up against guys like Jai Newcombe, James Worpel and Conor Nash. He's been challenging himself against them, and they're quality midfielders so now stepping out against guys like Tom Liberatore is not that much of a big step up for him because he's been doing it all summer. Down back I think having Massimo D'Ambrosio there to play his first official game in Hawthorn colours was really exciting and he had some nice moments with the ball."

On new recruit Ethan Phillips

"He slotted in nicely, looked like he's been there all pre-season. He is exciting. I think what it's going to do is give an opportunity for someone, who that is we'll probably get another look at that next week to see who can lock down that key position position."

Watch the full press conference with Simpson below.