Ahead of a highly anticipated 2025 season, the players are setting the standards in the brown and gold this pre-season, according to Hawthorn defender Jack Scrimshaw.

Speaking to RSN Breakfast, Scrimshaw said he and his teammates were embracing the group's heightened expectations following an exciting finals berth in 2024. 

The 26-year-old, who was crowned the Hawks’ Most Improved Player last year, also spoke about his excitement around having two big additions to the backline and who he thinks are some big pre-season performers so far.

We summarised some of the key points from his chat with Daniel Harford.

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On how Josh Battle and Tom Barrass are settling in

“I actually went to school with Josh Battle so I knew him previously which is a good little connection we already have. I was just at his engagement party on the weekend, which actually turned into a surprise wedding. That was a special night being with him, his family and a few other boys that went along as well. We're connecting really strongly. Tom is a bit older so I’ve been trying to pick his brain a little bit. He's obviously got a wealth of knowledge coming from the West Coast Eagles and what he's been able to produce in the game. It’s been good spending time with him too.”

On how the group is handling expectations in 2025

“It's exciting. It's a position we’ve wanted to be in for a few years. We surprised a few last year but we always, internally, felt like we were capable of what we were able to produce last year. It’s good to have the pressure on us now. It's a good thing that we're starting to have prime time slots for the games, playing Friday night and Thursday night. It's what we sort of always wanted to do. That’s one of the best things about being a footballer is getting the prime time slot, so the boys are keen on that.”

"We always, internally, felt like we were capable of what we were able to produce last year."

On who has been training well this pre-season 

“I think Lloyd Meek in the ruck is obviously a huge presence. We played some match sim the other day and he dominated that so look for him to build on last year. Will Day’s had a good pre-season despite the injury that he had before the end of the season. He's looking strong and back to his best in the midfield.”

READ WHAT WILL DAY HAD TO SAY ABOUT HIS PRE-SEASON HERE

On his excitement around the Kennedy Community Centre’s progress

“We went out as a group before it was starting construction… and now it’s nearly 70 per cent completed. The boys are all really looking forward to moving in.”

Listen to Jack Scrimshaw’s full interview with RSN below.